Sarajevo intends to establish public utility for renewable energy production

The Sarajevo Canton intends to establish a public company for the production of electricity from renewable sources. It would initially develop projects for wind farms at four locations and for solar power plants at two locations.

The Government of Sarajevo Canton accepted the initiative of its Ministry of Economy to study the socio-economic feasibility of setting up a public company for the production of electricity from renewable sources.

Minister Adnan Delić pointed out the need for the canton to transition to renewable energy and reduce import dependence, arguing that it affects the competitiveness of the local economy and the standard of citizens.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has undertaken the obligation to gradually introduce a tax on CO2 emissions

The Canton of Sarajevo imports almost all of its electricity and it is one of the reasons for changing the policy in the energy sector, particularly in electricity production, Delić added.

BiH has undertaken the obligation to gradually introduce a tax on CO2 emissions and become part of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) by 2030. The said canton, which includes the nation’s capital, must already start preparing changes to its energy policy, especially regarding the use of renewable energy.

The price of electricity is important for competitiveness for businesses as well as for the standard of living

To establish such a public company, the local authority needs to assess the wind energy potential at four locations and solar energy potential at two locations, Delić pointed out.

In his words, the initiative is primarily focused on electricity because of its importance for the development and competitiveness of the economy as well as for the improvement of the citizens’ standard of living. Electricity is a basic need in all segments of life, especially in this digital age, Delić added.

If Sarajevo depends on imports, it will never be able to control the costs affecting firms and citizens

The minister stressed the importance of self-sufficiency in energy resources management, particularly in the light of great turbulences at the global level which he says are also felt in the local market. Therefore, if Sarajevo depends on imports and does not achieve energy security, it will never be able to bring the costs affecting the corporate sector and citizens under control, he said.

According to Delić, all countries are aware of the importance of energy sovereignty, and the canton intends to follow the trend. Sarajevo, in his words, is not using its large potential for green energy production.

In 2021, the Canton of Sarajevo imported 61.6% of consumed electricity, while 38.3%was obtained from domestic sources.