The Center for Development Evaluation and Social Science Research (CREDI) is proud to announce its collaboration with the UDA Consulting and World Bank on a pivotal project addressing the transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s energy sector.
The project comes at a crucial time as Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) faces the challenge of decarbonizing its coal-dependent energy sector. With coal-fired power plants accounting for nearly 68% of electricity production in 2020 and energy production contributing over 60% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, the need for sustainable solutions is urgent. This transition is also imperative due to the anticipated implementation of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in 2026, which will increase the cost of carbon-intensive exports to EU markets.
The initiative aims to assess the skills, capacity, and readiness of workers in the municipalities of Banovići and Zenica—communities heavily reliant on coal mining—for alternative employment opportunities. These areas are particularly vulnerable to economic impacts from potential mine closures or downsizing, and the survey will play a key role in ensuring a just transition for affected workers and communities.
CREDI, in partnership with UDA Consulting, will conduct household surveys in the municipalities of Banovići and Zenica. A total of 1,000 surveys will be carried out—500 in each municipality. These surveys will provide a detailed understanding of the skills, capacities, and readiness of workers to transition to alternative employment opportunities. The data collected will help identify gaps in skills, assess the socio-economic impact of potential mine closures, and provide actionable insights for policy development to support affected communities.
The project’s findings will provide valuable insights into labor market challenges and inform strategies to support economic resilience in BiH’s coal-dependent regions.
This project represents a continuation of CREDI’s efforts in the field, building on previous initiatives such as the Greenforce project, which also focused on sustainable development and supporting communities impacted by energy sector changes.
CREDI is honored to contribute to this critical initiative, aligning with its mission to drive evidence-based solutions for sustainable development.