Serbia advances nuclear programme planning with EDF studies and capacity support
Agreement and study programme
Serbia is moving forward with its nuclear programme foundation work following an agreement with EDF, under which the programme’s early technical studies are being delivered and expanded.
Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović said the country intends to draw on EDF’s “knowledge, experience and resources” as Serbia lays the foundations for nuclear energy.
Serbia’s government said the initiative follows a milestones approach recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency. EDF delivered the Preliminary Technical Study on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy in March, identifying 19 key steps across three phases: phase 1 covers feasibility and steps needed to decide on launching a national nuclear programme; phase 2 includes selection of a nuclear reactor type, contracting and construction; and phase 3 is when construction takes place.
In October 2024, Serbia’s Ministry of Mining and Energy awarded a contract to EDF, with French engineering consultancy Egis, to conduct the preliminary technical study on the potential use of nuclear power in Serbia. EDF is now due to produce three more studies within phase 1, while the remaining 14 studies are expected to be considered with “various international companies that have the necessary experience.”
- EDF delivered the Preliminary Technical Study on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy
- Phase 1 includes feasibility and decision-making steps; phase 2 covers reactor type selection and contracting and construction; phase 3 is construction
- EDF is due to produce three more studies in phase 1, with 14 additional studies to be assessed with other international companies
Workforce and organisational capacity
A key component highlighted by Serbian officials is human resources development. The minister said the most important part of the project relates to developing a human resources development strategy, described as a prerequisite for launching a national nuclear programme.
Đedović Handanović emphasised that human resources are central to developing nuclear programmes and said Serbia’s task is to create a base of engineers and other personnel able to manage nuclear facilities responsibly and professionally in the future.
Capacity building support is also part of the effort. The French Development Agency (AFD) has provided a grant of EUR500,000 (USD576,000) to support building professional and organisational capacities in Serbia, aimed at improving the knowledge and experience of personnel involved in the nuclear programme.
- Human resources development strategy is a key prerequisite for launching a national nuclear programme
- AFD grant: EUR500,000 (USD576,000) to support professional and organisational capacity building
- Goal stated by the minister is to complete all studies by the middle of next year to enable an informed decision on further nuclear programme development
Decision timeline and longer-term outlook
The Serbian minister said the goal is to complete all studies by the middle of next year to enable an informed decision on further development of the nuclear programme.
She also noted that Serbia must be ready in an institutional, regulatory and professional sense for the choice of technology, adding that Serbia could get its first nuclear power plant after 2040.