The United States is keen on advancing the Reversible Hydropower Plant (RHE) Đerdap 3 project, establishing large-capacity solar power plants and collaborating on peaceful nuclear energy development, according to the specialized portal Energija Balkana. This interest comes following a cooperation agreement signed between the governments of Serbia and the USA.
This strategic cooperation agreement, the first of its kind between the two nations, was signed in Washington and signifies a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in the energy sector, as noted by the Ministry of Mining and Energy (MRE).
The agreement aims to strengthen ties between the two countries, focusing on encouraging U.S. private sector investment in energy projects in Serbia. Emphasis is placed on sustainable energy projects, promoting clean energy adoption, and accelerating the phase-out of coal-based electricity production to ensure a safe, reliable, and diversified energy supply, including potential base-load energy sources. The agreement must be ratified by the Serbian Parliament before implementation can commence.
If the Parliament approves amendments to the Energy Law and lifts the nuclear energy moratorium, the agreement could pave the way for cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy development. The initial phases of this program would involve bilateral collaboration with countries that have established nuclear programs, enabling Serbia to better understand existing technologies and their compatibility with its power system.
This cooperation is expected to include the USA, a leader in nuclear power plant construction, as well as engagement with countries like China and South Korea. Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović indicated that this agreement could lead to new U.S. investments in energy, highlighting American companies’ involvement in the Đerdap 3 project.
The Bechtel company has already prepared a preliminary feasibility study for the Đerdap 3 project at its own expense, based on a Memorandum of Understanding with the Serbian government. Additionally, U.S. firms are participating in a project to construct one-gigawatt self-balancing solar power plants with battery storage, aimed at enhancing the green energy capacity of Elektroprivreda Serbia.
This solar project will be executed in strategic partnership with a consortium led by South Korean company Hyundai Engineering. The signing of the implementation contract for this significant project is anticipated soon. The American company UGTR is also part of this consortium, focusing on project development.
Moreover, the Serbian government has decided to create a Spatial Plan for the special purpose area designated for the construction of six self-balancing solar power plants with battery systems. These plants will be located in Zaječar and Leskovac, as well as in the municipalities of Bujanovac, Lebane, Negotin, and Odžaci. The draft of the spatial plan is expected to be completed within eight months, with the construction of the power plants projected to be finished by June 1, 2028, according to Energija Balkana.
