Recent rainfall has led to a notable recovery in the hydrological conditions of Bileca Lake in Bosnia and Herzegovina, significantly enhancing the prospects for hydropower generation in 2026. Water levels have risen four meters above initial projections, creating an optimal environment for increased electricity production this year. The current elevation of the reservoir is approximately 385 meters above sea level, which is 18 meters higher than before due to a recent precipitation cycle.
Officials from “Hidroelektrane na Trebisnjici” (HET) report that the year has commenced positively regarding hydrology. The improved inflows have already restored a significant portion of the reservoir’s capacity, and forecasts indicate additional precipitation in the upcoming spring months. Consequently, HET expects to meet its production targets for the first quarter.
Current inflows into Bileca Lake are around 90 cubic meters per second, while the Trebinje accumulation is receiving approximately 15 cubic meters per second. This robust inflow rate ensures that Bileca Lake retains adequate storage capacity to accommodate further expected increases in water levels over the coming weeks.
For the year 2026, HET has established an ambitious electricity generation target of 1,080 GWh. The favorable water balance observed at the beginning of this year bolsters confidence that this goal is attainable. Last year posed considerable challenges due to prolonged drought conditions that necessitated a revision of production plans; targets were reduced by 30% compared to the original national energy balance. This context underscores the importance of the current recovery in water levels and its implications for future energy output.
