Electricity imports in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) have surged by nearly 600% year-on-year, with the value rising from 17.2 million euros in the first quarter of 2023 to 120 million euros this year. Once a major electricity exporter, BiH has now become a significant importer, with import values surpassing export revenues during the same period.
Although electricity exports increased by 24.5% compared to last year, they remain far below previous peak levels. In the Republic of Srpska (RS), electricity worth 61 million euros was imported over four months due to government-mandated low prices. Exports have since resumed, but financial losses have led to plans for a loan backed by government guarantees.
Experts, including Edhem Bičakčić from CIGRE and Mirza Kušljiugić from ReSET, blame the crisis on reduced coal production, poor hydrological conditions, and administrative delays in expanding renewable energy projects. Both warn that electricity prices will inevitably rise, though vulnerable consumers should be shielded. Private investments are growing but remain driven by profit motives, and emergency, high-cost electricity imports have become necessary to maintain system stability.
Meanwhile, EP HZHB remains unaffected, relying entirely on renewable sources and avoiding exposure to new EU carbon regulations.
