The public debate on proposed amendments to Serbia’s Law on Energy will continue until September 10. According to RTS, the Ministry of Mining and Energy aims to modernize regulations to ensure the supply of electricity from clean sources, with one of the key changes being the potential introduction of nuclear energy.
Serbia currently has a moratorium on the construction of nuclear power plants, but this could be lifted with the new Law on Energy. If passed, the law would mark a significant shift, potentially paving the way for the development of nuclear energy in accordance with the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), of which Serbia is a member.
Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handović, stated that the new legislation would establish the framework for the potential use of nuclear energy in Serbia, outlining the steps required for its implementation.
“Adopting this law would initiate the Prohibition of the Construction of Nuclear Power Plants Act and set the groundwork for exploring nuclear energy options,” said Đedović Handović. She emphasized that the process from initial decision-making to commissioning a nuclear plant takes at least a decade, stressing the importance of responsible planning to ensure energy security.
The revised Law will also focus on clean energy, introducing measures for hydrogen production and enhancing the transmission and distribution networks to offer better consumer protection and support for electricity producers.
President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Marko Čadež, highlighted the importance of these changes, noting that Serbia and other Balkan countries currently import between 25% and 33% of their energy needs. He emphasized the need for increased energy efficiency, as Serbian companies consume 50% more energy than their EU counterparts.
Nikola Rajković, a professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, pointed out that while nuclear energy is a significant component of the new law, it is crucial to address how the power system performs during crises. The law aims to improve integration of renewable energy sources and enhance regulatory frameworks.
The updated Law on Energy will incorporate a package of nine EU regulations concerning the electricity market, promoting a green transition and better energy interconnection.
