With the recent repeal of the moratorium on nuclear energy in Serbia, the country is now exploring the possibility of building a nuclear power plant, a move experts believe could be profitable in the long term. However, they also caution that Serbia currently lacks the skilled workforce necessary to operate such a facility.
Dr. Dragana Nikolić, a former associate at the Institute for Nuclear Energy “Vinča,” and Đorđe Lazarević, senior research associate at the Electrotechnical Institute “Nikola Tesla,” agree that establishing a nuclear energy infrastructure would align with international recommendations, particularly those from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Nikolić emphasized that Serbia’s current legal framework for nuclear energy, which only addresses research reactors, must be updated to include provisions for nuclear power plants. A new law, based on international standards and best practices, would be necessary to support Serbia’s nuclear energy ambitions.
Both experts highlight nuclear energy’s potential to replace coal-fired thermal plants, which Serbia has committed to phasing out, as part of its environmental goals. Lazarević also notes that nuclear power is flexible and can stabilize energy grids, particularly as renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, are less predictable.
However, the construction of a nuclear power plant presents significant challenges. While the capital investment is high, the operational and maintenance costs of nuclear plants are relatively low, making them a profitable option in the long run. Lazarević predicts that it would take between 10 to 15 years to complete the construction and commissioning of a nuclear plant.
Nikolić optimistically believes Serbia could have a nuclear power plant by 2045, although she acknowledges that significant steps need to be taken in terms of workforce training and institutional development.
To mitigate delays, the experts suggest that Serbia could purchase an existing nuclear power plant design and equipment from global suppliers, streamlining the process. Local companies could be involved as subcontractors, provided they meet international safety and operational standards.
One of the key challenges is Serbia’s lack of trained nuclear experts. The moratorium on nuclear energy halted the education of new specialists, leaving only a few experienced professionals in the country, many of whom are abroad. Nikolić stresses that it will take at least a decade to develop the necessary workforce for managing a nuclear power plant.
Overall, while Serbia’s ambitions for nuclear energy are promising, the country must address significant workforce and legal challenges to move forward with such a project.
