Serbia Advances Nuclear Power Program: Ministry Outlines Activities in IAEA Phase 1

Serbia’s Assistant Minister of Mining and Energy for the Electric Power Sector, Radoš Popadić, participated in the “Power Plants 2025” international conference in Zlatibor, where he detailed the Ministry’s planned activities concerning the peaceful use of nuclear energy

Speaking on the panel titled “Roadmap towards the First Serbian Nuclear Plant,” Popadić presented the actions being taken and planned by the Ministry of Mining and Energy in its role as the Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO). Following the guidelines set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Serbia is currently in Phase 1 of the Peaceful Nuclear Energy Development Program, which involves analyzing the justification and rationale for developing nuclear energy in Serbia.

The legislative foundation for this program was established by the 2024 amendments to the Energy Law, which repealed the moratorium on the construction of nuclear power plants, thus opening the possibility for Serbia to consider using nuclear energy and setting the main steps for its potential peaceful application based on IAEA guidance.

Popadić explained that the first phase is projected to last about two years. During this period, the Ministry is focused on forming an inter-ministerial working group and a dedicated organizational unit that will manage the nuclear program. The main issues being addressed include the legislative and regulatory framework, nuclear safety and security, human resource education, public information, nuclear technology selection, infrastructure support, grid connection, and the management of spent fuel and nuclear waste.

The task of these newly formed bodies will be to provide technical support for the analysis of all key items, assessing potential organizational structures, and securing the necessary personnel. These steps are preconditions for making an informed decision on proceeding with the development of a comprehensive Nuclear Energy Program.

The Assistant Minister stressed that communication and cooperation are especially important at the beginning of Phase 1. This includes collaboration with leading global institutions focused on developing nuclear technologies and plant construction, as well as coordinating work with domestic institutions in Serbia. This cooperation involves knowledge exchange, assistance in improving the regulatory framework, developing human resources—including organizing workshops and technical training—and helping to assess Serbia’s potential for developing a peaceful nuclear program. Furthermore, Popadić emphasized the importance of public outreach to ensure a better understanding of the nuclear program by the general public.