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On September 11, 2024
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[1]
Power struggle: Serbia eyes nuclear energy to fuel future
Belgrade (AFP) - Time stands still at Serbia's Vinca nuclear facility, where the decommissioned Yugoslav-era reactor is a testament to the fears generated by the controversial energy source. For decades, the research reactor and the surrounding facility have been stuck in another era. But a new push to revitalise Serbia's stalled nuclear energy sector may see the country embrace the technology again. Three years after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, then Yugoslavia shuttered its nuclear programme and shut down its lone reactor in Belgrade's suburbs. Serbia has long relied on its plentiful sources of cheap coal to power its economy, even as it blackened its skies with the capital Belgrade regularly ranked as one of the most polluted cities during the winter. It has come at a cost. Nearly 70 percent of Serbia's electricity comes from coal-fired power plants, which caused an estimated 15,000 deaths in 2021 alone linked to pollution, according to a report by the European Environment Agency. Facing a 2050 EU deadline to transition away from coal, officials are now considering whether to lift the long-standing ban on building nuclear power plants in the Balkan country. In late August, Serbia's Ministry of Mining and Energy opened public consultations for proposed changes to the country's energy law, which includes lifting the moratorium on nuclear power. Nuclear neighbours The facility at Vinca is a reminder of what could have been. An antique phone sits next to an emergency button used to manually activate the safety system amid a sea of analogue glass dials that once measured the pulse of the reactor and its surroundings. Visitors to the facility must still adhere to strict controls when entering the reactor's hall, which scientists today use mostly for educational purposes. For proponents of nuclear power, Serbia stands at a crossroads. "When considering whether to say 'yes' or 'no' to a nuclear power plant, we must be aware that nuclear power plants surround us," Dalibor Arbutina, director of Public Company Nuclear Facilities of Serbia (NFS), told AFP. Arbutina points to the use of nuclear power by many of Serbia's neighbours, including Hungary which has an active reactor just 80 kilometres (50 miles) from its northern border. "We are in the same risk zone as Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, but they benefit from their nuclear plants, while we get nothing," Arbutina added. But going nuclear will be a long and costly process, with a government study saying a cautious estimate for the launch of a new nuclear facility would likely take up to two decades. "It is a painful transformation that Serbia will have to undergo," said Slobodan Bubnjevic from the Institute of Physics at the University of Belgrade. The process of reversing the ban alone will likely be lengthy and require navigating complex political bureaucracy. 'Indefinitely' Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic remains a firm advocate for shifting to nuclear energy and frequently cites the exponential strain on the current grid by the adoption of new technologies. "Having in mind that artificial intelligence time is coming, having in mind the fact that we'll have to have 90-95 percent of electric cars here... the consumption of electricity will increase significantly," Vucic told AFP, saying transitioning to nuclear energy sources would be critical. "Otherwise, we won't have enough electricity," he argued. During a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron last month, Serbia signed a raft of agreements, including a letter of engagement to assess the potential for developing a civilian nuclear programme. A survey published by the Serbian-based think-tank, New Third Way, said one-third of the people it polled remained opposed to nuclear power, while roughly the same number supported it, with the others largely undecided. The study also found that 64 percent of respondents agreed that Serbia should gradually phase out the use of coal. "I would say (nuclear) is a brilliant way to produce electricity and everything else -- as long as it's not misused," Rada Spica Gajic, a 47-year-old Belgrade resident, told AFP. On the other hand, Sava Medan, 60, said he would likely worry about the handling of nuclear waste produced by the process. Professor Bubnjevic agreed. "Once you initiate the chain reaction and expose the fuel to the process it undergoes in the reactor, from that moment onward, you must manage the nuclear waste indefinitely," said Bubnjevic.
[2]
Power Struggle: Serbia Eyes Nuclear Energy To Fuel Future
Time stands still at Serbia's Vinca nuclear facility, where the decommissioned Yugoslav-era reactor is a testament to the fears generated by the controversial energy source. For decades, the research reactor and the surrounding facility have been stuck in another era. But a new push to revitalise Serbia's stalled nuclear energy sector may see the country embrace the technology again. Three years after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, then Yugoslavia shuttered its nuclear programme and shut down its lone reactor in Belgrade's suburbs. Serbia has long relied on its plentiful sources of cheap coal to power its economy, even as it blackened its skies with the capital Belgrade regularly ranked as one of the most polluted cities during the winter. It has come at a cost. Nearly 70 percent of Serbia's electricity comes from coal-fired power plants, which caused an estimated 15,000 deaths in 2021 alone linked to pollution, according to a report by the European Environment Agency. Facing a 2050 EU deadline to transition away from coal, officials are now considering whether to lift the long-standing ban on building nuclear power plants in the Balkan country. In late August, Serbia's Ministry of Mining and Energy opened public consultations for proposed changes to the country's energy law, which includes lifting the moratorium on nuclear power. The facility at Vinca is a reminder of what could have been. An antique phone sits next to an emergency button used to manually activate the safety system amid a sea of analogue glass dials that once measured the pulse of the reactor and its surroundings. Visitors to the facility must still adhere to strict controls when entering the reactor's hall, which scientists today use mostly for educational purposes. For proponents of nuclear power, Serbia stands at a crossroads. "When considering whether to say 'yes' or 'no' to a nuclear power plant, we must be aware that nuclear power plants surround us," Dalibor Arbutina, director of Public Company Nuclear Facilities of Serbia (NFS), told AFP. Arbutina points to the use of nuclear power by many of Serbia's neighbours, including Hungary which has an active reactor just 80 kilometres (50 miles) from its northern border. "We are in the same risk zone as Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, but they benefit from their nuclear plants, while we get nothing," Arbutina added. But going nuclear will be a long and costly process, with a government study saying a cautious estimate for the launch of a new nuclear facility would likely take up to two decades. "It is a painful transformation that Serbia will have to undergo," said Slobodan Bubnjevic from the Institute of Physics at the University of Belgrade. The process of reversing the ban alone will likely be lengthy and require navigating complex political bureaucracy. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic remains a firm advocate for shifting to nuclear energy and frequently cites the exponential strain on the current grid by the adoption of new technologies. "Having in mind that artificial intelligence time is coming, having in mind the fact that we'll have to have 90-95 percent of electric cars here... the consumption of electricity will increase significantly," Vucic told AFP, saying transitioning to nuclear energy sources would be critical. "Otherwise, we won't have enough electricity," he argued. During a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron last month, Serbia signed a raft of agreements, including a letter of engagement to assess the potential for developing a civilian nuclear programme. A survey published by the Serbian-based think-tank, New Third Way, said one-third of the people it polled remained opposed to nuclear power, while roughly the same number supported it, with the others largely undecided. The study also found that 64 percent of respondents agreed that Serbia should gradually phase out the use of coal. "I would say (nuclear) is a brilliant way to produce electricity and everything else -- as long as it's not misused," Rada Spica Gajic, a 47-year-old Belgrade resident, told AFP. On the other hand, Sava Medan, 60, said he would likely worry about the handling of nuclear waste produced by the process. Professor Bubnjevic agreed. "Once you initiate the chain reaction and expose the fuel to the process it undergoes in the reactor, from that moment onward, you must manage the nuclear waste indefinitely," said Bubnjevic.
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Serbia is exploring the possibility of adopting nuclear energy to address its growing power needs and reduce reliance on coal. This move comes amid increasing energy demands and environmental concerns.
Serbia, a country that has long relied on coal for its energy needs, is now setting its sights on nuclear power as a potential solution to meet its growing energy demands. The Serbian government is actively exploring the possibility of constructing the country's first nuclear power plant, marking a significant shift in its energy policy 1.
Serbia's energy sector is heavily dependent on coal, which accounts for about 70 percent of its electricity production. This reliance on fossil fuels has not only contributed to environmental concerns but also poses challenges in meeting the country's increasing power needs. With a growing economy and rising energy consumption, Serbia is facing pressure to diversify its energy sources 2.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has taken a proactive stance on the nuclear energy issue. He recently announced the formation of a working group tasked with examining the feasibility of nuclear power in Serbia. This move indicates the government's serious consideration of nuclear energy as a viable option for the country's future energy mix 1.
The path to nuclear energy is not without its challenges for Serbia. The country currently lacks the necessary infrastructure and expertise to develop and maintain nuclear power plants. Additionally, there are concerns about the high costs associated with nuclear energy projects and potential environmental risks 2.
Serbia's interest in nuclear energy comes at a time when several other countries in the region are also exploring or expanding their nuclear capabilities. Bulgaria recently restarted construction on its Belene nuclear power plant, while Hungary is working on expanding its Paks nuclear facility. This regional trend suggests a broader shift towards nuclear energy in Eastern Europe 1.
The potential adoption of nuclear energy in Serbia could have significant environmental implications. While nuclear power offers a low-carbon alternative to coal, concerns remain about nuclear waste management and the potential for accidents. Balancing these environmental considerations with the need for reliable and sustainable energy sources will be crucial for Serbia's decision-makers 2.
As Serbia continues to evaluate its nuclear energy options, the country faces important decisions that will shape its energy landscape for decades to come. The outcome of this exploration could have far-reaching consequences for Serbia's economy, environment, and energy independence. The government's approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by nuclear energy will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers 1.
Reference
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