Energy Poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Challenges, Solutions, and Policy Recommendations

Energy poverty remains a significant issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, characterized by limited access to affordable and sustainable energy sources. This paper examines the prevalence of energy poverty among 1500 retiree households and evaluates the potential of photovoltaic (PV) systems as a solutio...

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Main Authors: Maja Muftić Dedović, Samir Avdaković, Adnan Mujezinović, Nedis Dautbašić, Ajdin Alihodžić, Adin Memić
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/1/43
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author Maja Muftić Dedović
Samir Avdaković
Adnan Mujezinović
Nedis Dautbašić
Ajdin Alihodžić
Adin Memić
author_facet Maja Muftić Dedović
Samir Avdaković
Adnan Mujezinović
Nedis Dautbašić
Ajdin Alihodžić
Adin Memić
author_sort Maja Muftić Dedović
collection DOAJ
description Energy poverty remains a significant issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, characterized by limited access to affordable and sustainable energy sources. This paper examines the prevalence of energy poverty among 1500 retiree households and evaluates the potential of photovoltaic (PV) systems as a solution. The research highlights the multidimensional nature of energy poverty, incorporating variables such as income, energy expenditures, and heating methods. Using statistical methods, including factor analysis and regression models, the research developed an energy poverty index (EPI) to categorize households and identify key drivers of energy poverty. The findings reveal that 96.5% of households experience moderate to high energy poverty when transport costs are included, dropping to 84.3% when these costs are excluded. Households using wood for heating, with a combined rooftop area of 26,104 m<sup>2</sup>, could generate 7,831,200 kWh of solar energy annually, reducing CO<sub>2</sub> emissions by 1,389,825 kg. The aggregated payback period for PV investments is approximately 9.3 years, demonstrating financial viability. The paper underscores the potential of energy communities in pooling resources, facilitating rooftop leasing for PV installations, and promoting policy reforms to promote renewable energy adoption. This research contributes to the understanding of energy poverty dynamics and provides actionable recommendations for integrating PV power plants, fostering energy equity, and reducing environmental impacts.
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spelling doaj-art-8fbfea27e6d84d5da2dc95e78f12e91e2025-01-10T13:16:55ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732024-12-011814310.3390/en18010043Energy Poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Challenges, Solutions, and Policy RecommendationsMaja Muftić Dedović0Samir Avdaković1Adnan Mujezinović2Nedis Dautbašić3Ajdin Alihodžić4Adin Memić5Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaFaculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaFaculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaFaculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaFaculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaFaculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaEnergy poverty remains a significant issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, characterized by limited access to affordable and sustainable energy sources. This paper examines the prevalence of energy poverty among 1500 retiree households and evaluates the potential of photovoltaic (PV) systems as a solution. The research highlights the multidimensional nature of energy poverty, incorporating variables such as income, energy expenditures, and heating methods. Using statistical methods, including factor analysis and regression models, the research developed an energy poverty index (EPI) to categorize households and identify key drivers of energy poverty. The findings reveal that 96.5% of households experience moderate to high energy poverty when transport costs are included, dropping to 84.3% when these costs are excluded. Households using wood for heating, with a combined rooftop area of 26,104 m<sup>2</sup>, could generate 7,831,200 kWh of solar energy annually, reducing CO<sub>2</sub> emissions by 1,389,825 kg. The aggregated payback period for PV investments is approximately 9.3 years, demonstrating financial viability. The paper underscores the potential of energy communities in pooling resources, facilitating rooftop leasing for PV installations, and promoting policy reforms to promote renewable energy adoption. This research contributes to the understanding of energy poverty dynamics and provides actionable recommendations for integrating PV power plants, fostering energy equity, and reducing environmental impacts.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/1/43energy povertyphotovoltaic systemsenergy communitiesCO<sub>2</sub> emissionsrenewable energy policy
spellingShingle Maja Muftić Dedović
Samir Avdaković
Adnan Mujezinović
Nedis Dautbašić
Ajdin Alihodžić
Adin Memić
Energy Poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Challenges, Solutions, and Policy Recommendations
Energies
energy poverty
photovoltaic systems
energy communities
CO<sub>2</sub> emissions
renewable energy policy
title Energy Poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Challenges, Solutions, and Policy Recommendations
title_full Energy Poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Challenges, Solutions, and Policy Recommendations
title_fullStr Energy Poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Challenges, Solutions, and Policy Recommendations
title_full_unstemmed Energy Poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Challenges, Solutions, and Policy Recommendations
title_short Energy Poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Challenges, Solutions, and Policy Recommendations
title_sort energy poverty in bosnia and herzegovina challenges solutions and policy recommendations
topic energy poverty
photovoltaic systems
energy communities
CO<sub>2</sub> emissions
renewable energy policy
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/1/43
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