Energy minister: Serbia’s first nuclear plant expected after 2040

On Wednesday, the minister signed a partnership agreement between the Republic of Serbia, the French electric utility EDF, and the French Development Agency (AFD). The agreement focuses on bolstering Serbia’s professional, staffing, and organizational capacity, while also laying the groundwork for the necessary studies to launch a national nuclear program.

Djedovic Handanovic noted that EDF, which finalized a preliminary technical study in this area last year, is the world’s leading operator of nuclear power plants, managing more than 50 reactors in France alone.

According to the minister, the most critical aspect of the project involves drafting a human resources development strategy, which she described as a fundamental prerequisite for launching any national nuclear program.

She added that the partnership with EDF includes conducting three additional studies during the first phase of the program. The remaining 14 will be discussed in the future with various international firms that possess the required expertise.

The French Development Agency has provided a 500,000 euro grant to support the development of the professional and organizational infrastructure needed to manage the initial stages of the nuclear program, the Ministry stated in a press release.