Serbia has entered the preparatory phase of a civilian nuclear-energy programme through a cooperation agreement with EDF and the French Development Agency. The government does not expect a first reactor to enter service before 2040. The agreement marks the start of an institutional phase supported by France.
The cooperation focuses on institutional capacity, technical studies, human resources and nuclear-safety culture rather than an immediate reactor procurement. This approach is intended to allow Serbia to build the regulatory and professional system needed to evaluate technologies, select potential sites and manage a programme spanning several decades.
Scope of studies and timeline through mid-2027
Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović said EDF will support three additional studies after completing a preliminary technical assessment in 2025. Another 14 studies are expected to be prepared with other international partners. The full package is targeted for completion by mid-2027.
The studies are designed to inform future decisions on reactor size, technology, location, grid integration, financing and waste management. They will also cover whether Serbia should pursue a conventional large reactor, small modular reactors or participation in a regional nuclear project.
Institutional strengthening under FEXTE grant
The French Development Agency is providing a €500,000 grant through its FEXTE facility. The funding is intended to support institutional strengthening, programme management, technical education and development of nuclear-safety capabilities. The work is aligned with recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The programme covers Phase I and part of Phase II. The Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization will cooperate with EDF to build expertise needed to coordinate government institutions, regulators, universities, grid operators and potential project partners.
Human capital, regulator requirements and financing scale
Human capital is identified as a key constraint for Serbia’s nuclear plans. Serbia is expected to train engineers, regulators, safety specialists, project managers and technical personnel ahead of licensing or construction activities. A credible programme also requires an independent regulator with sufficient authority.
The regulator would need stable long-term funding and institutional separation from the project developer. Financing is described as decisive for any later build-out, with capital expenditure for a large plant potentially well above €10bn, depending on technology, local infrastructure, financing terms and construction duration.
Delays of several years could increase interest during construction and affect electricity costs. The agreement itself does not constitute a reactor order; it establishes the institutional machinery for Serbia to assess whether nuclear power can fit as a technically credible, financially manageable and grid-compatible element of its post-coal electricity system.
