Expert Miodrag Mesarović, a member of the team that selected the site and concept for Slovenia’s nuclear power plant “Krško,” suggests that Serbia consider inviting Hungary to invest in their new Paks II nuclear power plant to help bridge the gap in electricity supply until 2050. Mesarović argues that Serbia lacks the expertise to build such a plant domestically and that purchasing modular reactors may not be the optimal solution. Currently, Serbia lacks the necessary expertise for nuclear power plant construction, and funding typically comes from loans. Mesarović suggests that if Serbia can secure loans for projects like the Expo27 facilities, which are twice as expensive as a nuclear power plant and do not generate revenue, it should also find funding for nuclear energy projects.
Foreign experts’ predictions of a four-fold increase in Serbia’s electricity consumption by 2050, as cited by President Aleksandar Vučić, are, according to Mesarović, exaggerated. Vučić recently mentioned the need for at least four small modular nuclear reactors to meet energy demands due to Serbia’s lack of knowledge and funds for traditional large-scale nuclear plants. Mesarović believes that the projected increase in electricity consumption is likely based on the rise of artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, as outlined in Serbia’s Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan until 2030.
Instead of investing in large-scale nuclear plants, Mesarović suggests considering smaller modular nuclear reactors. Hungary, for instance, is constructing two 1,200-megawatt blocks alongside its existing nuclear power plants at a lower cost per installed megawatt. Mesarović reassures that citizens need not fear nuclear power plants, as modern safety measures rely on natural forces rather than human intervention. He highlights that Hungary’s nuclear plant, located just 60 kilometres from Serbia’s border, poses no greater risk than if it were built within Serbia itself.
