Serbia Drafts Bill to Lift Nuclear Power Ban and Reform Energy Sector

Serbia has taken a significant step towards modernising its energy sector by drafting a law that lifts the decades-long ban on nuclear power plants. This draft, proposed by the Ministry of Mining and Energy, aims to introduce various reforms to align with European energy regulations, ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply for the country.

The proposed changes are open for public consultation from August 21 to September 10, with hearings scheduled in Belgrade and Novi Sad. The law's primary goal is to create a framework that supports Serbia’s energy needs while embracing new technologies and practices.

One of the most notable aspects of the draft law is the potential return of nuclear power to Serbia's energy portfolio. The ban on nuclear power plants, enacted three years after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, would be repealed if the law passes. This move signals Serbia's intent to explore nuclear energy as a viable option for future power generation. The ministry expects that this will pave the way for developing a peaceful nuclear energy program and establishing a dedicated directorate.

In addition to nuclear energy, the draft law introduces several new initiatives:

• Waste-Derived Fuels: The law will regulate the production and trade of non-conventional fuels, derived from non-hazardous waste unsuitable for recycling, to be used in industries such as cement and lime production.
• Active Consumer Participation: End consumers will gain more control over their energy use, with provisions allowing them to enter dynamic tariff contracts, participate in the electricity market, and even produce and sell their own electricity.
• Balancing Market Regulation: The law sets out new rules for the balancing market, requiring all participants to be responsible for any balance deviations in the power system. It also introduces a balancing capacity mechanism with strict CO2 emission limits for power plants, effective from July 2025.
• Abolishment of Net Billing and Net Metering: These practices, currently regulated by the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources, will be phased out by December 31, 2026.

The ministry believes these reforms will help Serbia transition to a more efficient and sustainable energy system, while also preparing the country for the integration of nuclear energy into its power generation mix. The proposed changes are expected to align Serbia's energy practices