After a 35-year hiatus, Serbia has reopened the possibility of building nuclear power plants. However, despite the legal framework now being in place for the development of the most affordable energy source, Serbia faces a different kind of challenge – a shortage of qualified personnel, writes Insajder.
Slobodan Bubnjević, a publicist and expert on scientific and technological issues, told Insajder that the development of nuclear energy in Serbia has become one of the key topics for the future in the context of the energy transition. “While the world is increasingly considering nuclear energy as a stable and long-term source, Serbia is facing numerous challenges – from the lack of skilled personnel to the need for infrastructure and funding. Serbia was once well-positioned, with a developed nuclear physics and engineering sector, but today we don’t have enough nuclear engineers. This is a consequence of the 35-year moratorium on nuclear plant construction, as well as the closure of relevant departments at universities,” Bubnjević explained.
In order for Serbia to catch up, it is necessary to educate a new generation of experts, and according to him, the process of training and developing the required workforce will take at least a decade.
“We must invest in universities and create specialized programs at engineering and natural science faculties, such as the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (ETF) and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, it’s essential to send young professionals abroad for doctoral studies. Of course, it’s crucial to build a system that motivates young people to choose this career,” Bubnjević added. One of the technical prerequisites for building a nuclear power plant is having an adequate location.
Bubnjević explained that due to the abundance of rivers such as the Sava and Danube, Serbia has favorable conditions for placing nuclear reactors.
“The location itself shouldn’t be an issue, but the challenge lies in gaining the trust of the public. The construction of reactors must be accompanied by transparent communication and the involvement of local communities in the decision-making process,” he said.
The cost of building a nuclear power plant is significant, but according to Bubnjević, it is cost-effective in the long run.
“Building a conventional reactor with a capacity of one gigawatt, which could replace a large coal power plant, costs several billion euros. While nuclear energy is initially expensive, the cost of electricity production is extremely low in the long term. The stability and reliability of nuclear energy make it a crucial resource in any energy mix,” Bubnjević said, while also warning that Serbia must not embark on a “nuclear adventure” without domestic expertise.
A major concern, aside from safety, is the disposal of nuclear waste. Therefore, the capacity to manage the construction and operation of nuclear plants, particularly in the long term, becomes crucial.
Solution – small modular reactors?
The topic of nuclear power plants has been discussed multiple times in Serbia. President Aleksandar Vučić emphasized that building both small and large nuclear power plants is the only solution, considering that electricity consumption in Serbia is projected to quadruple by 2050.
A standard nuclear plant, of which there are over 400 worldwide, costs about 20 billion euros to construct. In addition to the financial cost, time is also a factor, as nuclear plants take an average of at least ten years to build.
As an interim solution, Serbia is interested in building “four small modular nuclear reactors that could replace 1,200 megawatts.”
Neighboring countries are in a much better position than Serbia – nuclear power plants exist in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Croatia, and Slovenia. Hungary is expanding its nuclear capacity with the “Paks” plant (Serbia is trying to buy a stake in it).
Among the former Yugoslav republics, only Slovenia currently operates an active nuclear power plant – “Krško.”
The “Krško” plant, built in 1983, is co-owned by the Slovenian state company GEN energija and the Croatian utility Hrvatska elektroprivreda. It supplies about 30% of Slovenia’s electricity demand and 16% of Croatia’s. The two countries agreed last year to extend the plant’s operational life until 2043.
Serbia is behind
Bubnjević warns that Serbia cannot proceed with the construction of nuclear power plants without strong academic foundations.
In the former Yugoslavia, there were three nuclear institutes. It is essential to strengthen the existing departments, establish new ones, and create a solid framework for working with young people at the ETF, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Physics, and the Faculty of Physical Chemistry.
He adds that without its own experts, Serbia cannot make key decisions or comply with international regulations.
Establishing a national center for the education of nuclear experts must be a priority.
Bubnjević stresses that, despite the challenges, nuclear energy is inevitable for technological and energy development.
“If Serbia begins immediately to train personnel and develop infrastructure, in 15 to 20 years, it could rely on nuclear energy. This is an investment in the future that will bring stability and security to the energy sector,” Bubnjević concludes.
