Panel I – BiH Energy Sector: Between Energy Transition and Crisis?

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has started its path towards a just energy transition and the use of clean energy sources. This process, however, has presented numerous challenges for BiH which has traditionally relied on coal as its main fuel source. Development and adoption of key legal and policy documents, as prerequisites for a successful transition are still pending.

In the meantime, the world is facing a widespread energy crisis. Some countries have begun to rollback their green policies, in an effort to ensure a steady supply of energy, and to control the volatile prices within energy markets. These shifting circumstances bring up numerous questions and dilemmas about energy security and affordability.

In December 2022, the Energy Community adopted a large set of regulations that represents the most significant addition to the Acquis since its establishment. These regulations though, bring an additional layer of complexity to the energy sector and requires full commitment from all energy stakeholders and policy makers.

The panel will discuss the current state and dynamics of the energy transition process in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the context of changed circumstances. The panel will specifically discuss the impact of the energy transition on energy security, progress in development of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), and BiH’s readiness to implement new obligations.

Does the energy transition come at the expense of energy security, and what is the new price of the energy transition?