In 2024, Bosnia & Herzegovina's electricity consumption is characterized by a more than half reliance on fossil energy, with coal contributing entirely to this segment at approximately 61%. Nevertheless, the country shows a substantial commitment to low-carbon energy, supplying almost 40% of its electricity needs, predominantly through hydropower which accounts for about 35%. Wind and solar contribute modestly, making up nearly 3% and 2% respectively. This indicates a budding but still moderate clean energy sector that complements the dominant fossil-fuel dependency.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
Electricity consumption per person in Bosnia & Herzegovina is currently on a downturn. As of 2024, the figure stands at 4484 kWh per person—significantly lower by about 21% compared to the previous peak in 2018, which was 5657 kWh per person. Simultaneously, the generation of low-carbon electricity per capita has diminished, registering a decline from 2186 kWh in 2023 to 1764 kWh in 2024, marking a worrying reduction of approximately 19%. These figures highlight a concerning trend of reduced electricity usage in both overall and clean energy terms, emphasizing the need for strategic interventions to reverse this pattern.
Suggestions
To enhance the share of low-carbon electricity, Bosnia & Herzegovina could leverage successful strategies from various regions. For example, studying France and Slovakia reveals the potential impact of nuclear energy, with these countries generating over half of their electricity through nuclear power. Meanwhile, states like Iowa and Denmark demonstrate the efficacy of wind energy contributing significantly to their electricity mix. Additionally, the growth of solar energy as seen in Nevada and California provides a viable path for Bosnia & Herzegovina to reduce fossil fuel dependency. By focusing on nuclear and solar energy, Bosnia & Herzegovina can foster an expansion in its clean electricity production, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally sound energy future.
History
The historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity generation in Bosnia & Herzegovina shows peaks and troughs, predominantly influenced by hydropower. In the early 1990s, there were notable fluctuations, with both increases and declines culminating in a significant recovery by 1994. Entering the new millennium, hydropower again oscillated with rises in 2004, 2009, and a peak increase in 2013. However, this has been accompanied by substantial declines in recent years, such as the drop in 2011 and a continuing downward trend into 2024. This inconsistency underscores the necessity for Bosnia & Herzegovina to stabilize and augment its clean energy sources, potentially through diversified and robust strategies involving nuclear and solar investments.
