In the first nine months of 2023, Bosnia and Herzegovina exported electricity valued at approximately €240 million, nearly half of the total from the same period last year. Experts attribute this decline to reduced coal production and unfavorable hydrological conditions.
The majority of the electricity exports during this period were directed to Serbia, which accounted for about €87 million. Croatia followed with around €57 million, while Slovenia received electricity worth approximately €39 million. Additionally, Bosnia and Herzegovina exported electricity valued at about €29 million to Montenegro and €27 million to Switzerland. Hungary and Albania made smaller purchases, worth €620,000 and €150,000, respectively.
Energy expert Almir Becarevic noted that in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) alone, exports decreased by around €178 million in the first nine months of this year. He pointed out that the power utility EPBiH has struggled to sell its surplus electricity effectively, alongside a significant decline in coal production, which is crucial for electricity generation.
Becarevic predicts that this trend will persist over the next three months, with FBiH now producing electricity primarily for its own needs and only a small surplus available for export. Once a major electricity exporter, the region is facing a stark shift.
Another factor contributing to the decline in exports is the poor hydrological situation compared to previous years, as low rainfall has resulted in lower reservoir levels.
Becarevic emphasized the importance of electricity exports for Bosnia and Herzegovina, noting that previous surplus sales helped mitigate electricity price increases for residential consumers. However, with exports decreasing, this offset is no longer possible, leading to expected price hikes in the near future. In 2022, Bosnia and Herzegovina exported electricity worth approximately €548 million, and in 2021, the figure was around €423 million.
