Electricity production in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina reached 485 GWh in May 2026, up 3% from 471 GWh in the same month of 2025. Cross-border trading volumes contracted more sharply than output, indicating a tighter operating position relative to domestic balance.
Generation mix and net output
Thermal power plants accounted for 60.6% of gross generation in May 2026. Hydropower contributed 32.8%, while wind farms provided 6.6%. Net production totaled 438 GWh.
Thermal plants generated 261 GWh, hydropower facilities produced 145 GWh, and wind generation reached 32 GWh. The figures point to continued reliance on coal-fired generation for supply security amid European carbon and environmental restructuring pressures for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s power sector.
Cross-border flows and trade exposure
Electricity imports fell to 74 GWh in May 2026 from 227 GWh a year earlier, a reduction of more than 67%. Exports declined at the same time, dropping from 156 GWh to 49 GWh. Together, the fall in both directions indicates a less trade-intensive month rather than a straightforward shift toward stronger exports.
Coal output trends and policy-linked export pressure
Coal production continued to weaken during the month. Brown-coal output stood at 281,319 tonnes, about 3.1% below 290,203 tonnes. Lignite production decreased by 11.1%, from 131,644 tonnes to 117,096 tonnes.
The lignite decline matters because the Federation’s thermal fleet depends on domestic mines whose operating difficulties, labour costs and accumulated investment requirements have repeatedly affected plant availability. A short-term increase in electricity generation does not remove structural exposure associated with ageing thermal units and underperforming mines.
The relationship between imports and exports is also relevant under the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Bosnia and Herzegovina can still monetise surplus electricity in neighbouring markets, but carbon costs are expected to place additional pressure on coal-based exports unless producers can show a lower actual emissions profile or secure more renewable generation.
