Serbia aims to begin construction of first nuclear power plant before 2035

Serbia plans to begin construction of its first nuclear power plant before 2035 to strengthen energy security and expand electricity generation, Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Dedovic Handanovic said on March 9, according to a ministry statement. 

Belgrade lifted a decades-long ban on nuclear power construction in 2024 and has since held discussions with several potential partners, including France’s EDF and South Korea’s KHNP, as well as Rosatom.

Speaking at the presentation of the Serbia 2030 national strategy on March 7, officials said the government had prioritised nuclear energy within its long-term investment plans for the power sector, Tanjug reported.

“Thirty percent of all planned investments until 2035 are for the energy sector,” Dedovic Handanovic said. “Above all, this includes the start of construction of a new nuclear facility – the first in our country.”

Serbia plans to invest at least €14.4bn in energy projects between 2028 and 2035, according to President Aleksandar Vucic, with nuclear energy emerging as a key pillar of future baseload power supply.

Dedovic Handanovic said about €3bn would be needed for the construction of the plant.

If construction begins as planned, Serbia could commission its first nuclear generating unit shortly after 2040, with a capacity ranging from 1,000 MW to 1,650 MW depending on the technology selected, she said.

In 2024, Serbia amended a law that had been in force for 35 years, removing restrictions that prevented the country from developing nuclear energy.

A national body responsible for developing Serbia’s nuclear programme is now being established, while the government is also focusing on building domestic expertise for the sector.

“We need to strengthen personnel, bring back our experts from abroad and invest in the education of new engineers,” Dedovic Handanovic said.

Serbia is also cooperating with French utility EDF on preparations for the project, drawing on the company’s technical expertise, she told Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) in an interview broadcast on March 9.

Alongside nuclear development, Serbia is planning investments in gas infrastructure and electricity generation to support its energy transition.

Officials say nuclear power will play a central role in ensuring long-term energy stability as demand rises and the country seeks to expand low-carbon electricity production.