Farooq Sher, an associate professor at the University of Nottingham Trent, believes that Bosnia and Herzegovina is ready for a more significant investment in solar energy due to its climate potential. Particularly, Herzegovina stands out as an optimal region for solar energy, with 2,400 hours of annual sunlight and an irradiance of 1,500 kWh/m2 per year.
Sher’s extensive research over two years on the capacity and potential of renewable energy sources in our country led him to the conclusion that Herzegovina is prepared for the development of high-capacity solar power plants. He recently published the results in the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, co-authoring a study on the prospects and development potential of renewable energy sources in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He stated to pv magazine that Herzegovina is perfect for large solar power plants but expressed concerns due to the country’s heavy reliance on coal as the current foundation of energy production.
“The potential to replace coal with renewable energy sources exists – but only if the authorities change certain policies,” he remarked.
Currently, in the energy mix of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the coal and lignite industry accounts for over half (60%) of electricity production, hydroelectric power plants contribute 35%, while wind farms represent only 2%.
Sher attributes the underutilization of solar energy to the high initial investment costs and the lack of legislative support, primarily because Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a member of the European Union.
