Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy, has addressed the recent debate surrounding the potential lifting of the nuclear power plant ban in Serbia, stating that the public consultation on proposed amendments to the Energy Law is not connected to French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit. She pointed out that transitioning from the initial proposal of nuclear energy to the operational phase of a nuclear plant typically requires at least 10 years.
In an interview with Blic, Đedović Handanović explained the Serbian government’s shift towards nuclear energy amid a global trend toward a “nuclear renaissance.” Several countries, including Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland, have recently revised their energy policies to embrace nuclear power.
“Nuclear energy has been utilized globally for over 60 years, with more than 440 reactors in operation across over 30 countries. About 10% of the world’s electricity is generated by nuclear power, with the EU’s share exceeding 20%. Serbia is surrounded by nations with existing nuclear plants, such as Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania, some of which are also planning new facilities,” she noted.
She added that Europe aims to increase its nuclear energy capacity by around 50% by 2050.
Regarding the ongoing public consultation process, Đedović Handanović revealed that fewer than 10 comments have been submitted to date. The consultation will remain open until September 10, after which the draft amendments will be reviewed by relevant authorities, the Serbian government, and the National Assembly, with the goal of passing the legislation by the end of the year.
When asked about potential sites and types of nuclear plants, the minister stated that it is too early to discuss specifics. The Ministry of Mining and Energy has initiated a public procurement process for preliminary technical studies to assess the feasibility of nuclear energy in Serbia. This process will involve a detailed comparative analysis of various technologies, including both conventional and small modular reactors, to determine the most suitable options for the country.
Addressing concerns about nuclear waste management, Đedović Handanović clarified that Serbian laws, EU directives, and UN conventions prohibit the storage of nuclear waste from France or any other country in Serbia.
