Đedović Handanović from Paris: nuclear power plant by 2040

Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović announced that Serbia could have a nuclear power plant by 2040. At the Nuclear Summit 2026 she added that Serbia aims to become part of the global nuclear renaissance

Goal: Nuclear power plant on the grid by 2040

The minister noted that Serbia, as a “novice” in this field, is currently carrying out Phase 1 of the development of the nuclear program in accordance with IAEA guidelines. It is planned that this phase will be completed by mid-2027, which will create the conditions for making an informed decision on further steps.

According to her, by 2032 Serbia should build the necessary institutional and expert capacities to select technology and begin the construction process, with the goal that the first nuclear power plant will be on the grid around 2040.

Cooperation with France and IAEA

Đedović Handanović announced that a high-level delegation from the French company EDF would soon come to Serbia, with which a letter of intent is expected to be signed. The cooperation will include the preparation of four key studies related to human resources, analysis of legislation, and public opinion surveys. In addition, the importance of IAEA technical support through scholarship programs, training and the development of safety standards was emphasized.

“Nuclear energy provides a solid basis for the next 50 years. It will positively affect the domestic industry, creating new jobs and strengthening the base of our engineers and technicians,” the minister said.

Some media also add an estimate of around ten billion euros, but we also add that the price of such a project in advance is extremely difficult to predict, and that radically pushing deadlines and projected costs is almost inevitable.