Renewable
energy
Abundance of hydro-power together with wind, solar and geo-thermal potential.
The Republic of Srpska has great potential for the production of electricity from renewable sources. Currently, only about 30% of energy potentials are used. The most important natural resources for obtaining energy from renewable sources are hydro potential, biomass, geothermal sources, and solar and wind energy.Due to its natural characteristics, the Republic of Srpska is classified as an area with richer hydropower potential, which has been utilized by about 36%.
Only 30% of the potential of renewable energy sources is currently in use
Almost 70% of the estimated hydropower potential of watercourses in the Republic of Srpska is untapped The wind energy coefficient is 30% higher than the EU average
Average annual solar radiation of 1.25 -1.55 MWh / m2
Planned future investments of around 6 billion euros by 2035
The Republic of Srpska has over 200 registered thermal, thermo-mineral and low-radioactive sources of healing waters. The energy potential of geothermal waters is estimated at 1260 PJ. The energy value of biomass in the Republic of Srpska is estimated at 46 PJ, most of which is biomass suitable for combustion, and then biomass suitable for the production of biogas from municipal waste, livestock and energy crops. The wind energy efficiency coefficient is 30% higher than the EU average. The average annual solar radiation of the horizontal surface in the Republic of Srpska ranges from 1.25 MWh / m2 for the northern parts to 1.55 MWh / m2 for the southern parts and is above the European average.
There are numerous investment opportunities in the renewable energy sector:
– Construction of several larger hydropower plants – In view of construction of hydropower facilities, the most interesting is the river basin of the river Drina, whose basin represents the most significant untapped hydro potential in the Balkans. The Bosna River and the lower reaches of the Vrbas River also have significant potential.
– Use of geothermal waters – The presence of geothermal waters is greatest in the area of Posavina, Semberija, Banja Luka valley and Lijevče polje. The greatest potential for the use of this energy source is in aquaculture, agriculture, and for heating settlements.
– Wind farms – The average wind speed at a height of 50 m is 7.7 m/s, and the most promising locations for the construction of wind farms are located in the area of Eastern Herzegovina. The technically usable potential for electricity production depends on the conditions at a particular micro-location, access to the location and the availability of infrastructure, and the possibility of acceptance into the electricity system.
– Application of solar energy – installation of solar collectors and construction of solar power plants with photovoltaic cells. The highest irradiation of the sun is in Herzegovina with an of average of 1570 kWh / m2.
Opportunities to invest in the renewable energy sector are numerous, but still insufficiently explored and exploited.
