Serbian Minister of Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, announced that the government is laying the groundwork for assessing the potential implementation of a nuclear energy program in collaboration with France. This development follows a meeting between Đedović Handanović and a delegation from France’s state energy company EDF, where they discussed cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
In April, Serbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a strategic partnership with EDF, marking a significant step in exploring nuclear energy options. According to Đedović Handanović, the next phase involves exchanging knowledge and experiences to enhance local expertise. The Ministry of Mining and Energy of Serbia plans to initiate a public procurement process shortly to commission a preliminary technical study. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of integrating nuclear energy into Serbia’s energy portfolio, drawing on EDF’s extensive experience from similar projects across Europe, including in the Netherlands, Finland, and Sweden.
Đedović Handanović emphasized the importance of establishing a legislative framework aligned with International Atomic Energy Agency standards. This framework will enable Serbia to responsibly explore and potentially develop a nuclear energy program. This move is part of Serbia’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and shift towards renewable energy sources, as outlined in the Green Agenda Declaration signed with other Western Balkan countries in 2020. The declaration commits Serbia to phasing out coal entirely by 2050.
Currently, Serbia predominantly relies on coal-fired power plants for electricity generation. Notably, the country has upheld a ban on constructing nuclear power plants for 35 years. However, discussions are underway to repeal this ban, with plans for public consultations and parliamentary hearings on the matter, as announced by Speaker of the Serbian Parliament Ana Brnabić.
The developments underscore Serbia’s strategic pivot towards sustainable energy solutions and its efforts to leverage international partnerships and expertise in advancing its energy infrastructure.
