Why is the energy sector important in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

As one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) most important export sectors, the energy sector has the potential to be a major engine for economic growth in BiH. The sector is also relevant for the country’s accession to the EU, as development of competitive energy markets is required by the EU and the Energy Community Treaty.

How does USAID help Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Through its Energy Policy Activity, USAID helps Bosnia and Herzegovina attract investment and integrate its energy market into regional and EU markets. As one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) most important export sectors, the energy sector has the potential to be a major engine for economic growth in BiH.

Is Bosnia and Herzegovina a net exporter of electricity?

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), a country of around 3.5 million people, is currently a net exporter of electricity – the only one in the Western Balkans. More than half of its electricity generation capacity is made up of hydropower, while the remainder is made up of five lignite power plants.

Should Bosnia & Herzegovina cap energy consumption?

To boost energy efficiency and energy savings, it also needs to cap primary energy consumption at 6.5 Mtoe and final energy consumption at 4.34 Mtoe by 2030. In mid-2023 Bosnia and Herzegovina published a draft National Energy and Climate Plan.

Will Bosnia and Herzegovina build a new hydropower plant?

As well as new coal capacity, Bosnia and Herzegovina plans a large amount of new hydropower, which is proving even more controversial than the coal plants. In the last decade, more than 100 small hydropower plants have been built, causing widespread public resistance in places like Fojnica, Kruščica and on the Neretvica and Buna.

Does Bosnia & Herzegovina use natural gas?

Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have its own natural gas extraction so it is dependent on the Beregovo – Horgos – Zvornik import route from Russia via Ukraine, Hungary and Serbia. Gas use in the country is limited by the distribution network which is only present in Sarajevo, Zenica, Zvornik and Visoko.