In Serbia, electricity consumption over the past year, specifically from September 2024 to August 2025, indicates a heavy reliance on fossil sources. Approximately two-thirds of the electricity, over 67%, comes from fossil fuels, with coal being the dominant source at 63%. Gas contributes a smaller fraction of just over 4%. Conversely, low-carbon energy sources account for nearly 30% of the electricity mix, thanks primarily to hydropower, which makes up about 25%. Wind energy, though still modest in comparison, contributes approximately 4% to the mix. Additionally, Serbia imports a small amount of electricity, about 2.5%, to supplement its energy needs. The data highlights a critical dependence on coal, a concern for pollution and climate change, while the low-carbon share underscores the importance of clean energy transition.
Is Electricity Growing in Serbia?
Despite high hopes for growth, Serbia's electricity consumption has recently declined. As of 2025, the average electricity consumption stands at 5,299 kWh per person, which is a noteworthy drop from the prior record set in 2023 at 5,764 kWh per person, marking a decrease of 465 kWh per person. This decrease is also reflected in the low-carbon electricity generation, which fell to 1,559 kWh per person in 2025 from 1,987 kWh per person in 2023, a decline of 428 kWh per person. Such declines are concerning given the global drive to increase electricity generation to power sectors like electrified transportation and industries, as well as meet the growing demands of an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Serbia can learn from other regions that have successfully integrated clean energy sources into their mix. France and Slovakia provide inspiring examples with their significant reliance on nuclear energy, contributing 69% and 64% of their electricity respectively. Serbia could consider expanding its nuclear capabilities to mirror these successful models. Furthermore, countries like Denmark and Iowa have effectively harnessed the power of the wind, generating 57% and 62% of their electricity from wind energy. Emulating such initiatives by investing in wind infrastructure could significantly enhance Serbia's clean energy outlook. Additionally, given the countries like Greece and Lebanon benefiting from solar energy — at 26% and 31% respectively, Serbia should also consider solar expansion to capture the abundant solar potential, thereby diversifying and strengthening its low-carbon electricity portfolio.
History
Historically, Serbia's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced considerable fluctuations, predominantly driven by hydropower. In the early 1990s, the production saw small ups and downs, with some positive changes in the mid-1990s. However, notable declines were observed in the early 2000s and the early 2010s. The period from 2013 to 2025 continued to show this trend, with years of increase often followed by notable declines. For instance, in 2023, a significant rise of 3.6 TWh was recorded, only to be followed by substantial drops in 2024 and 2025. This pattern highlights the variability and unreliability of relying predominantly on hydropower alone. To ensure a stable and growing electricity supply, it is imperative for Serbia to diversify its electricity generation portfolio by incorporating more nuclear and solar power, reducing the impact of such fluctuations and aligning itself with global sustainable growth targets.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.