As of 2024, Serbia's electricity consumption is predominantly based on fossil energy, with more than two-thirds of its electricity coming from fossil sources and most of that from coal alone. Clean energy, which includes sources like hydropower and wind, contributes to almost a third of the electricity consumption. Specifically, hydropower makes up a significant portion with 27%, while wind represents a smaller share at close to 3%. Gas also contributes to the fossil energy, with about 6% of the total electricity. This reliance on fossil fuels reflects a need for Serbia to enhance its clean energy strategies, as fossil fuels contribute heavily to climate change and air pollution, impacting both climate and public health.
Is Electricity Growing in Serbia?
Recently, there has been a noticeable decline in electricity consumption in Serbia. In 2024, the average consumption per person stands at 5506 kWh, representing a drop of 258 kWh from the previous record observed in 2023. This decrease also extends to low-carbon electricity sources, which fell from 1987 kWh per person in 2023 to 1693 kWh in 2024, a reduction of nearly 300 kWh per person. Such a decline is a cause for concern, as it challenges Serbia's ability to meet growing demands for reliable and clean electricity against the backdrop of increasing electrification needs.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Serbia can gain valuable insights from countries with successful track records in clean energy adoption. Nations similar to Serbia, like Slovakia and Slovenia, have seen substantial success with nuclear energy, contributing 62% and 34% of their electricity from this source, respectively. Serbia could significantly increase its clean electricity generation by investing in nuclear power capacity, learning from these countries' experiences. Additionally, solar energy is another promising avenue for Serbia, as countries like Greece and Lebanon have incorporated solar power into significant portions of their electricity mix at 21% and 31%, respectively. These strategies not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also ensure a more sustainable and secure energy future.
History
Historically, Serbia's hydropower production has experienced fluctuations, with notable expansions and contractions over the years. In the 1990s, there were both growth and declines, while the early 2000s saw further decreases followed by modest growth. The period from 2010 onward had mixed results, with years of positive growth interspersed with setbacks. For instance, 2011 experienced a sharp decline, while 2023 witnessed robust growth. Such inconsistency in hydropower generation highlights the need for Serbia to diversify and stabilize its clean energy portfolio, perhaps by focusing more on resilient sources like nuclear and solar power. A consistent investment towards these low-carbon avenues will contribute to a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply for Serbia.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.