Serbia’s government announced today (5 April) that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the French Electric Utility (EDF) on establishing a framework for long-term dialogue and cooperation in the energy transition and low-carbon technologies.
“The Memorandum creates conditions for a strategic partnership with the French Electric Utility (EDF) in assessing the potential for the development of a civil nuclear program in Serbia, with support for the development of skilled personnel and the exchange of technical knowledge,” Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović. “Additionally, EDF has expressed interest in collaborating with the Electric Utility of Serbia in the development of new, as well as the revitalisation of existing hydroelectric power plants, including those of regional interest, to ensure Serbia’s energy security by applying the best international standards in environmental, technological, and practical areas.”
Minister Đedović Handanović added that the memorandum envisages the possibility of collaboration in developing energy storage solutions, primarily batteries and green hydrogen, and solutions for efficient use of produced energy.
“As recently stated by President Aleksandar Vučić, we are in discussions with France about strategic cooperation in many areas, among which energy is one of the most significant. Due to the increase in demand for electrical energy, which is expected to triple by 2050, as well as decarbonisation in the energy sector, we are considering the use of nuclear energy, which alone can provide base load energy and adhere to the ‘net-zero’ concept. France obtains about 70 per cent of its electrical energy from nuclear energy, and it is important that the two presidents discuss this topic at a time when many countries are considering a greater role for nuclear energy in strengthening energy security and addressing climate challenges,” said Minister Đedović Handanović.
The minister further pointed out that due to the moratorium on nuclear energy, Serbia lacks experts in this field, but intensive discussions will be held in the coming period with the Ministry of Science, natural and technical faculties, scientific institutes, and other institutions in the country to enhance the capacities necessary for the preparation and implementation of such projects.
“This is also an opportunity to bring back a large number of educated young people to the country, who could support Serbia’s energy security because we will need to provide new capacities in the coming years and decades,” Minister Handanović added.