Serbia is advancing two energy programmes with different construction timelines but a shared strategic purpose. A future nuclear fleet is planned to provide large volumes of low-carbon baseload electricity. The proposed Đerdap 3 pumped-storage project is intended to support renewable integration, peak demand and system balancing.
Serbia removed its 35-year nuclear moratorium in 2024. The first phase of the national nuclear programme is expected to be completed by the middle of 2027, covering information and institutional work needed to determine the development path. Technology and reactor designs could be selected by 2032, with construction targeted from 2035.
Nuclear programme planning and institutional requirements
The programme is being developed with the International Atomic Energy Agency, Serbia’s radiation and nuclear-safety directorate and EDF. A preliminary viability study has already been completed. EDF is expected to prepare another four studies during the first phase, followed by an additional fourteen studies.
The scope extends beyond engineering. Serbia needs an independent regulator, nuclear legislation, environmental and emergency-response frameworks, waste and fuel policies, a trained workforce and long-term supply-chain arrangements. These capabilities must be in place before construction rather than being assembled during the project.
Financing choices for nuclear capacity
The financing environment is described as demanding for new nuclear builds. Global nuclear investment is currently around $75 billion annually, while industry estimates spending must reach roughly $250 billion a year to deliver national targets. New plants remain difficult to finance due to long construction periods, cost-overrun risk and the need for bespoke public-private structures for each project.
Serbia’s approach will require decisions on whether it pursues one large reactor, a fleet model, small modular reactors or participation in a regional project. The fleet model is described as offering standardisation and lower unit costs but requiring a larger long-term capital commitment. A single first-of-a-kind unit may be seen as more manageable but carries higher financing and construction risk.
Đerdap 3 pumped-storage documentation and cross-border scope
The Ministry of Mining and Energy has opened procurement for planning and technical documentation for Đerdap 3. The package includes a pre-feasibility study, project design, a special-purpose spatial plan and a strategic environmental assessment. Earlier analyses have considered an installed capacity range of between 1,200 MW and 2,400 MW.
The project would be integrated into the existing Đerdap hydropower and navigation complex operated jointly with Romania. That arrangement creates cross-border requirements for the design assessment. The work must evaluate impacts on Đerdap 1 and Đerdap 2, water management, navigation, environmental conditions and allocation of hydropower potential between the two countries.
Sequencing between grid readiness and new generation assets
Pumped storage and nuclear are presented as complementary rather than competing options within Serbia’s planning horizon. Đerdap 3 could enter service earlier to absorb surplus renewable electricity, supply peak demand and provide ancillary services. Nuclear would contribute later as a stable low-carbon source supporting industrial demand and reducing import exposure.
The principal risk identified is sequencing across both programmes. Serbia needs sufficient grid reinforcement, market reform and flexible capacity before large volumes of wind and solar are connected. It also needs nuclear institutions many years before any reactor begins construction, with progress judged by whether governance, documentation and financing advance in the correct order.
