The “Preliminary Technical Study on the Peacetime Application of Nuclear Energy in Serbia” has been finalized, outlining three phases, with the first phase—focused on determining implementation—expected to last five to seven years.
Slavko Dimović, Director of the Vinca Institute, emphasized to RTS that replacing coal is imperative and that nuclear energy represents the most cost-effective solution. He described the study as a crucial step initiated by French partners, designed to justify the construction of a nuclear power plant and provide guidelines for Serbia’s nuclear energy development in line with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) instructions.
Nuclear energy expert Professor Zoran Drače noted that at least two years are needed to thoroughly assess Serbia’s nuclear power needs. He explained that Serbia currently relies on approximately 5,000 megawatts of fossil fuel power, mainly lignite, which is scheduled to be phased out by 2050. To replace this capacity, Serbia plans a diversified energy mix including hydro, solar, wind, and nuclear power plants.
Dimović highlighted that moving toward nuclear energy means abandoning fossil fuels due to their environmental harm and marks the beginning of a technological revolution in Serbia, boosting academic and technological progress.
Although initial investments for nuclear power plants are high and infrastructure complex, Dimović stressed that operational and maintenance costs are comparatively low, making nuclear energy the cheapest form of electricity generation in the long term.
Globally, about 430 nuclear power plants are currently operational, with nuclear energy production expected to hit record levels this year and investment in the sector poised to nearly double this decade.
Professor Drače added that the cost of nuclear power plant construction heavily depends on geopolitical factors and potential international cooperation partners.
