According to Serbian Economist, Serbia may decide on the location and technology for its future nuclear power plant in 2027, said Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Jedović-Handanović. According to her, the country has already entered the first phase of developing its nuclear program and has corrected a “historic mistake” by lifting the ban on considering nuclear energy.
The minister stated that an analysis is currently underway to determine where and how a nuclear facility could be integrated into Serbia’s power grid. A preliminary study has already examined possible options for connecting the future nuclear power plant to the grid, and next year the authorities expect to reach a decision on the site and technology.
Serbia views nuclear energy as part of a long-term response to rising electricity consumption, decarbonization, and the need for stable baseload generation. Serbia’s first nuclear power plant could be connected to the grid by 2040, and the country aims to become part of the global “nuclear renaissance.”
Authorities expect to complete the initial stages of preparation for construction by 2032. This involves not only selecting a site and technology but also establishing a regulatory framework, training personnel, forming a national organization to implement the nuclear program, assessing financing, and engaging with public opinion.
For Serbia, nuclear energy is becoming part of a broader discussion about the future structure of its energy mix. The country remains heavily dependent on coal-fired generation, while simultaneously developing solar and wind projects, battery storage, and gas infrastructure. However, for energy-intensive industries, data centers, artificial intelligence, and the future electrification of transportation, the authorities consider it necessary to have a stable source of baseload power.
Serbia’s most likely international partners for its nuclear program could be France, Russia, China, South Korea, the United States, Slovenia, and Hungary. France’s EDF has already presented Serbia with a roadmap for a nuclear program comprising 19 key steps: completion of studies by 2027, selection of technology and preparation of a construction contract by 2032, and commissioning of the nuclear power plant by 2040.
Russia, through Rosatom, has also discussed with Belgrade possible cooperation during the preparatory phase, primarily in the areas of knowledge exchange and support for the development of a nuclear program. However, political and sanctions-related risks make the Russian option more complicated, especially if Serbia aligns itself with European standards for financing and regulation.
China already has a memorandum of cooperation with Serbia in the nuclear sector, covering issues such as radioactive waste, radiation protection, personnel training, and technical support. South Korea’s KHNP has also signed a memorandum of cooperation with Serbia on nuclear energy and hydrogen, making Korea one of the potential technology partners.
The U.S. may be of interest to Serbia primarily through small modular reactors (SMRs) and technological cooperation, as Belgrade has previously spoken of seeking support to obtain approximately 1.2 GW of capacity based on SMR technology. Separately, the option of Serbia participating in the Hungarian Paks NPP by purchasing 5–10% of the capacity or a stake was discussed, which could be a faster way to access nuclear power generation without immediately building its own plant.
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