Jasmina Vujić, a renowned Serbian nuclear scientist, made history in 1992 by becoming the first woman to join the American Faculty of Nuclear Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. She later became the first woman to lead one of the top 50 nuclear engineering faculties in the USA in 2005. Vujić’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including managing 30 research projects worth over $82 million and becoming a full professor in 2003.
In an interview with Danas, Vujić discussed Serbia’s nuclear energy future, especially in light of the country’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined by the Paris Agreement. She emphasized the importance of finding an energy mix suited to Serbia’s needs, rather than rushing into alternatives like wind or solar power. Vujić also pointed out that while Serbia had lifted the moratorium on nuclear power plant construction, the country faces significant challenges, including a lack of trained professionals and infrastructure.
Vujić criticized Serbia’s missed opportunities in nuclear technology, pointing out that a group of Serbian nuclear scientists developed a master’s program in nuclear technology, which was ignored by the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering. According to Vujić, Serbia’s education system is lagging, and rebuilding the nuclear expertise will take many years. She also expressed skepticism about the feasibility of small modular reactors for Serbia, given that such technology is still under development and may not be commercially viable for another 10-15 years.
Regarding Serbia’s potential for building its own nuclear power plants, Vujić stated that the country would likely need 20-30 years to build the necessary infrastructure, with no realistic plans for a large or small nuclear plant in the short term. Instead, she suggested that Serbia could invest in the construction of reactors in neighboring Hungary, particularly in the Paks 2 nuclear power plant, as a way to meet energy needs without the complexities of building domestically.
Vujić also commented on Serbia’s partnership with France in nuclear energy, arguing that this decision was politically motivated and not based on technical expertise. She noted that France’s nuclear technology, including its EPR reactors, has been plagued by delays and cost overruns, making it a less favorable partner for Serbia.
Finally, Vujić discussed Serbia’s potential cooperation with other countries like the USA, South Korea, China and Russia. While each of these countries offers distinct advantages, including competitive pricing and established technology, only Russia provides a comprehensive package of services for nuclear reactor construction, including fuel management and personnel training.
In summary, Vujić believes Serbia faces significant obstacles in developing a nuclear energy program and that careful, well-informed decisions must be made in selecting partners and technologies.