Serbia to finalize all studies needed for nuclear program decision by mid-2027

The preparation of all studies necessary for the Government of Serbia to decide on the implementation of a nuclear program should be completed by mid-2027, according to the Ministry of Mining and Energy.

The Ministry of Mining and Energy has organized a presentation of a preliminary technical study on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The study was developed in cooperation with a consortium of French companies, led by EDF. It was presented today at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS).

Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović recently said that Serbia must begin the construction of a nuclear power plant before 2035.

Guelfi: Nuclear energy can be a strategic option for Serbia

The preliminary technical study on the peaceful use of nuclear energy was presented by Antoine Guelfi, EDF’s Head of Business Development for International New Nuclear, and Christian Di Lizia, who is responsible for EDF’s business development in Serbia.

Guelfi pointed out that the study’s overall conclusion is clear and that nuclear energy can be a strategic option for Serbia.

“EDF has provided a clear roadmap for the nuclear program and strategic insights for Serbia’s potential new nuclear program. We are ready to continue cooperation with Serbia in the next phase,” Guelfi added.

Popović: The study delivers Serbia’s first roadmap to nuclear energy

Miroslav Popović, Special Advisor to the Minister of Mining and Energy for Nuclear Energy, said that the study delivers Serbia’s first nuclear energy roadmap. He added that the study is aligned with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) approach, and that it outlines what needs to be done and built as prerequisites for developing a nuclear program.

A comparative overview of technological options was also provided for both conventional reactors and small modular reactors (SMR), without prematurely ruling out either solution.

“The analysis of the power system indicates that nuclear energy would significantly contribute to system stability, the reduction of import dependence, and decarbonization. Clean energy and a secure supply are necessary for Serbia’s energy security in the coming decades, and this is difficult to achieve without nuclear energy,” Popović underscored.

Activities are divided into three phases

Activities required to establish the infrastructure of a nuclear energy program, in line with IAEA guidelines, are divided into three phases, covering a total of 19 infrastructure issues, the ministry said.

Phase 1 involves examining the justification for developing nuclear energy before making a decision to launch a nuclear energy program. Phase 2 involves making a decision to develop the program and includes activities related to selecting the type of nuclear reactor, contracting, and constructing the nuclear facility.

Construction takes place in phase 3 and is completed once the nuclear facility is synchronized with the electrical grid.

The preparation of all studies needed for the Government of Serbia to make an informed decision on the implementation of the nuclear program should be completed by the middle of 2027, according to the press release.

Serbia plans to be ready to choose nuclear technology by 2032

After that, the focus will be on strengthening institutional, regulatory, and expert capacities to ensure that by 2032, Serbia is ready to select the technology and initiate contracting for the construction, so that the nuclear power plant can be online around 2040.

Phase 1 will focus on developing the legislative framework, assessing regulatory readiness and nuclear safety infrastructure, developing human resources, and analyzing costs, potential funding sources, and public procurement strategies for the nuclear program. It will also include assessing existing and required industrial capacities for the construction and operation of a nuclear power plant and establishing a supply chain, with the domestic industry playing an important role.

Particularly important in this phase will be to involve all stakeholders and establish public support for the nuclear program, according to the ministry.

During phase 1, the assessment will include industrial capacities for manufacturing various types of nuclear equipment and the involvement of local companies in the facility’s construction. Additionally, a proposal will be developed for the further expansion of Serbia’s industrial capacities.

Serbian experts will be a strong pillar in developing the nuclear program

The development of the nuclear program in phases 1 and 2 will be managed by a group for the preparation and implementation of the nuclear energy program, as an internal unit within the ministry, and an interdepartmental expert working group.

The two groups will constitute the national body for the implementation of the nuclear energy program, which will perform the role of the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO).

Serbian engineers, physicists, technicians, and lawyers from universities and institutes will be the main pillar in the development of the nuclear program, with continuous investment in the professional development of personnel, the ministry stressed.

In November 2024, Serbia annulled its moratorium on nuclear power plants

The cooperation between various actors in the development of the nuclear program was launched by the Memorandum of Understanding on the use of nuclear energy, signed in July 2024. It involves state institutions and more than 20 faculties, institutes, and power companies.

The ministry recalled that changes to the Law on Energy in November 2024 repealed the law on the prohibition of the construction of nuclear power plants, ending a moratorium that lasted for more than 30 years.

The National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) of the Republic of Serbia for the period up to 2030 with a vision to 2050 introduces nuclear energy through one of the scenarios. It envisages nuclear power plants with a total capacity of up to 1,000 MW after 2040.

In addition to EDF representatives, the study was presented to members of the press by Miroslav Popović, Radoš Popadić, acting assistant minister of mining and energy for electricity, and Milutin Jevremović, from the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences.

Also attending the presentation were Koviljka Stanković, associate professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, and president of the Serbian Nuclear Society, Miloš Stanković, officer of the atomic-biological-chemical defense of the Serbian Armed Forces, Vladan Ristić, Head of the System Planning Development Sector at Elektromreža Srbije (EMS), and Zoran Drače, an independent consultant.