The Government adopted a Memorandum of Understanding with the French energy company (EDF) on the establishment of long-term dialogue and cooperation in the energy transition and low-carbon technologies

"The MoU creates the conditions for a strategic partnership with the French energy company (EDF) in assessing the potential for developing a civil nuclear program in Serbia, supporting the development of professional staff, and exchanging technical knowledge." Additionally, EDF has expressed its interest in cooperating with EPS in the development of new hydro power plants, as well as in the revitalization of existing ones, including hydro power plants of regional interest, in order to ensure Serbia's energy security by applying the best international standards in environmental protection, technology and practice, said Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Djedović Handanović, and added that the MoU envisages the possibility of cooperation in developing solutions for energy storage, primarily batteries and green hydrogen, as well as solutions for the efficient use of produced energy.

Earlier today, Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Djedović Handanović, met with the Ambassador of France, Pierre Cochard, at the Government of Serbia. They discussed the preparation of the upcoming visit of President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, to French President, Emmanuel Macron, and energy cooperation.

"As President Aleksandar Vučić recently stated, we are discussing strategic cooperation with France in many areas, among which energy is one of the most important. Due to the growth in demand for electricity, which is expected to quadruple by 2050, as well as the need for decarbonization in the energy sector, we are considering the use of nuclear energy, which is the only source that can provide baseload energy and adhere to the 'net-zero' concept. France obtains about 70 percent of its electricity 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 the Minister.

She pointed out that due to the introduction of the moratorium on nuclear energy, Serbia does not have enough experts in this field. However, in the coming period, intensive discussions will be held with the Ministry of Science, natural and technical faculties, scientific institutes, and other institutions in the country to improve the capacities necessary for the preparation and realization of such projects.

"It is also an opportunity to bring back a large number of educated young people to the country, who could support the energy security of Serbia, as we will have to provide new capacities in the coming years and decades," said Djedović Handanović.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is expected during the upcoming visit of President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, to France.