Serbia is considering the potential role of nuclear energy as a stable and low-emission power source amid global energy crises and climate change. Dalibor Arbutina, director of JP Nuclear Facilities Serbia, and Rajko Nedić, editor-in-chief of Kurir, discussed the topic for Kurir TV.
Arbutina emphasized that Serbia is still far from making a final decision. The global push for nuclear energy, initiated at a UN climate conference in Dubai, has influenced Serbia to explore this option. A memorandum on nuclear energy was later signed at the Nuclear Energy Summit, involving five ministries, public enterprises, institutes, and universities. Serbia is currently in the pre-decision phase, defining the development program in three stages, with the next two years being critical for determining whether the country will proceed.
Nedić noted that neighboring countries already rely on nuclear power: Slovenia generates 20% of its electricity from nuclear, Croatia 16%, and the EU overall 25%. Nuclear plants provide consistent year-round energy, independent of weather conditions, and could help Serbia transition away from coal by 2025.
Arbutina highlighted that local companies could benefit as subcontractors, creating jobs. He also stressed the importance of separating nuclear energy from its historical association with atomic weapons.
The discussion reflects that Serbia is evaluating nuclear energy as a long-term strategy for energy independence, environmental goals, and economic development, but no concrete decision has been made.
