In response to increasing electricity consumption and declining coal generation, Serbia is preparing to implement emergency legal amendments aimed at facilitating the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs). This initiative reflects heightened concerns within the government, as President Aleksandar Vučić noted that the national electricity system is nearing a critical threshold.
The urgency for this legislative change stems from two significant trends: the gradual phase-out of coal-fired power plants and a substantial increase in electricity demand, primarily driven by the establishment of artificial intelligence data centers. Concurrently, the state-owned utility EPS faces mounting pressure on its production capabilities, which limits its ability to meet additional demand.
The Serbian government is currently evaluating nuclear proposals from various international stakeholders. Alongside a non-binding framework agreement with France’s EDF, offers from countries including China, Japan, South Korea, the United States (via Westinghouse), and Russia’s Rosatom are under consideration.
This rapid approach towards nuclear energy comes shortly after Serbia lifted its long-standing nuclear moratorium in late 2024. However, the country has yet to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework or develop the necessary institutional and technical capacity for nuclear projects. Long-term forecasts indicate that Serbia’s first 250 MW of nuclear capacity may not be operational until 2042, according to estimates by the World Nuclear Association.
The disparity between political rhetoric and engineering realities has raised eyebrows among observers. The current sense of urgency surrounding legislative changes and negotiations stands in stark contrast to the lengthy timelines usually associated with nuclear development.
A significant aspect of this push for nuclear energy is attributed to the anticipated demands of AI data centers. Analysts are debating whether this initiative primarily aims to secure energy security for domestic consumers or to cater to the electricity needs of major global technology firms. Additionally, Serbia’s diverse list of potential nuclear partners appears to be an attempt to balance various geopolitical interests, aligning with its strategy on other major infrastructure projects.
The ongoing discourse surrounding Serbia’s nuclear ambitions has sparked concerns that policy decisions may emerge from a top-down approach, rather than through transparent planning and public engagement. Notably, much of the reporting on these developments is being conducted by foreign media outlets, highlighting a lack of a cohesive national dialogue on this critical issue.
