Mar 16, 2026
Serbia plans to complete all studies necessary for a decision on its nuclear program by mid-2027.
The Ministry of Mining and Energy stated that all studies needed for the Serbian Government to decide on a nuclear program should be finalized by mid-2027.
A preliminary technical study on the peaceful use of nuclear energy was presented by the Ministry, developed in partnership with a consortium of French firms led by EDF. This presentation took place at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović emphasized the necessity for Serbia to initiate the construction of a nuclear power plant before 2035.
The preliminary technical study was introduced by Antoine Guelfi, EDF’s Head of Business Development for International New Nuclear, and Christian Di Lizia, responsible for EDF's business development in Serbia. Guelfi stated that the study clearly supports nuclear energy as a strategic option for Serbia.
Guelfi added that EDF has provided a comprehensive roadmap and strategic recommendations for Serbia's future nuclear program, expressing readiness to continue collaboration in the next phase.
Miroslav Popović, Special Advisor to the Minister for Nuclear Energy, highlighted that the study presents Serbia's first roadmap for nuclear energy, aligning with the International Atomic Energy Agency's standards and detailing the necessary steps for developing a nuclear program.
The study included a comparative analysis of traditional reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), without dismissing either option too early.
Popović emphasized that nuclear energy would greatly enhance system stability, reduce dependence on imports, and contribute to decarbonization. He pointed out that achieving clean energy and secure supply is vital for Serbia’s energy security in the upcoming decades, which is challenging without nuclear energy.
The necessary activities to build a nuclear energy program infrastructure, following IAEA guidelines, are categorized into three phases, involving a total of 19 key issues.
Phase 1 focuses on justifying the development of nuclear energy before decisions are made to proceed with the program. Phase 2 involves the decision to develop the program, including selecting reactor types and beginning construction.
Phase 3 includes the actual construction and synchronization of the nuclear facility with the electricity grid.
The Serbian Government aims to complete all studies required for an informed decision on the nuclear program by mid-2027.
Serbia anticipates being ready to select nuclear technology by 2032.
The subsequent focus will be on bolstering institutional, regulatory, and expert capacities to select technology and begin contracting by 2032, aiming for the power plant to be operational around 2040.
Phase 1 will prioritize developing the legislative framework, evaluating regulatory readiness, enhancing nuclear safety infrastructure, and analyzing the economic aspects of the nuclear program. It will also assess industrial capacities for the construction and functioning of a nuclear power plant, emphasizing the domestic industry's role.
Engaging all stakeholders and securing public support for the nuclear initiative will be vital during this phase.
Phase 1 will also evaluate industrial capabilities for producing various nuclear equipment and local company involvement in construction. Additionally, a proposal will be created to expand Serbia's industrial capabilities.
The nuclear program's development in the first two phases will be overseen by an internal unit within the ministry alongside an interdepartmental expert working group.
These groups will form the national body for implementing the nuclear energy program, acting as the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO).
Local engineers, physicists, technicians, and legal experts will be central to the program's development, with continuous investment in professional training highlighted by the ministry.
In November 2024, Serbia lifted its moratorium on nuclear power plants.
The collaboration on the nuclear program began with a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2024, involving state institutions and over 20 academic and energy entities.
The ministry noted that the amendment to the Law on Energy in November 2024 abolished the ban on nuclear power plant construction, ending a moratorium that spanned over 30 years.
The National Energy and Climate Plan for Serbia, extending to 2030 with a vision for 2050, incorporates nuclear energy as part of its scenarios, projecting nuclear power plants with a total capacity of up to 1,000 MW post-2040.
In addition to EDF representatives, the study was discussed by Miroslav Popović, Radoš Popadić, acting assistant minister for electricity, and Milutin Jevremović from the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences.
Attendees included Koviljka Stanković, associate professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, and president of the Serbian Nuclear Society, along with military and industry experts involved in the presentation.
A preliminary technical study on the peaceful use of nuclear energy was presented by the Ministry, developed in partnership with a consortium of French firms led by EDF. This presentation took place at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović emphasized the necessity for Serbia to initiate the construction of a nuclear power plant before 2035.
The preliminary technical study was introduced by Antoine Guelfi, EDF’s Head of Business Development for International New Nuclear, and Christian Di Lizia, responsible for EDF's business development in Serbia. Guelfi stated that the study clearly supports nuclear energy as a strategic option for Serbia.
Guelfi added that EDF has provided a comprehensive roadmap and strategic recommendations for Serbia's future nuclear program, expressing readiness to continue collaboration in the next phase.
Miroslav Popović, Special Advisor to the Minister for Nuclear Energy, highlighted that the study presents Serbia's first roadmap for nuclear energy, aligning with the International Atomic Energy Agency's standards and detailing the necessary steps for developing a nuclear program.
The study included a comparative analysis of traditional reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), without dismissing either option too early.
Popović emphasized that nuclear energy would greatly enhance system stability, reduce dependence on imports, and contribute to decarbonization. He pointed out that achieving clean energy and secure supply is vital for Serbia’s energy security in the upcoming decades, which is challenging without nuclear energy.
The necessary activities to build a nuclear energy program infrastructure, following IAEA guidelines, are categorized into three phases, involving a total of 19 key issues.
Phase 1 focuses on justifying the development of nuclear energy before decisions are made to proceed with the program. Phase 2 involves the decision to develop the program, including selecting reactor types and beginning construction.
Phase 3 includes the actual construction and synchronization of the nuclear facility with the electricity grid.
The Serbian Government aims to complete all studies required for an informed decision on the nuclear program by mid-2027.
Serbia anticipates being ready to select nuclear technology by 2032.
The subsequent focus will be on bolstering institutional, regulatory, and expert capacities to select technology and begin contracting by 2032, aiming for the power plant to be operational around 2040.
Phase 1 will prioritize developing the legislative framework, evaluating regulatory readiness, enhancing nuclear safety infrastructure, and analyzing the economic aspects of the nuclear program. It will also assess industrial capacities for the construction and functioning of a nuclear power plant, emphasizing the domestic industry's role.
Engaging all stakeholders and securing public support for the nuclear initiative will be vital during this phase.
Phase 1 will also evaluate industrial capabilities for producing various nuclear equipment and local company involvement in construction. Additionally, a proposal will be created to expand Serbia's industrial capabilities.
The nuclear program's development in the first two phases will be overseen by an internal unit within the ministry alongside an interdepartmental expert working group.
These groups will form the national body for implementing the nuclear energy program, acting as the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO).
Local engineers, physicists, technicians, and legal experts will be central to the program's development, with continuous investment in professional training highlighted by the ministry.
In November 2024, Serbia lifted its moratorium on nuclear power plants.
The collaboration on the nuclear program began with a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2024, involving state institutions and over 20 academic and energy entities.
The ministry noted that the amendment to the Law on Energy in November 2024 abolished the ban on nuclear power plant construction, ending a moratorium that spanned over 30 years.
The National Energy and Climate Plan for Serbia, extending to 2030 with a vision for 2050, incorporates nuclear energy as part of its scenarios, projecting nuclear power plants with a total capacity of up to 1,000 MW post-2040.
In addition to EDF representatives, the study was discussed by Miroslav Popović, Radoš Popadić, acting assistant minister for electricity, and Milutin Jevremović from the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences.
Attendees included Koviljka Stanković, associate professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, and president of the Serbian Nuclear Society, along with military and industry experts involved in the presentation.