The Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, met with the Ambassador of Slovenia to Serbia, Damjan Bergant, to discuss potential cooperation between the two countries in the field of nuclear energy, the ministry announced.
During the meeting, Đedović Handanović highlighted Slovenia’s long experience with the Krško nuclear power plant, which provides over a third of the country’s electricity. The discussion focused on cooperation between regulatory bodies, scientific institutions, and educational entities, as well as the exchange of expertise and visits by specialists. Slovenia’s extensive nuclear program management and its ongoing consideration of building new nuclear capacities were also key topics.
Minister Đedović Handanović emphasized that Serbia views nuclear energy as a long-term solution for the decarbonization of its energy sector. She pointed out that the moratorium on nuclear power plant construction was lifted at the end of last year. Furthermore, nuclear energy is now included in Serbia’s Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan, as well as in the new Energy Development Strategy. The country is exploring the possibility of integrating nuclear power plants into its energy system post-2040.
She also announced that a preliminary technical study will be completed by the second quarter of this year. This study will assess the peaceful application of nuclear energy in Serbia, provide insights into available technologies, and suggest suitable solutions for the country’s energy future. Afterward, planning for the next steps will proceed, guided by recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Ambassador Bergant expressed Slovenia’s commitment to establishing and nurturing long-term institutional cooperation with Serbia in nuclear energy development. He noted that the Jožef Stefan Scientific Institute in Slovenia is particularly interested in collaborating with Serbia’s Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, as well as other institutions, to support the development of Serbia’s nuclear program.
