Nuclear energy sector and cooperation with Russia on the path to energy transition in Serbia

Stojanović, Bogdan (2023) Nuclear energy sector and cooperation with Russia on the path to energy transition in Serbia. Međunarodni problemi = International problems, LXXV (2). pp. 185-210. ISSN 0025-8555

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Abstract

The paper explores the scope and limitations of nuclear energy in general and the suitability of a nuclear power plant in the necessary energy transition of the Republic of Serbia. Energy cooperation between Serbia and Russia already exists in the fossil fuel sector, where Russia’s strength is unmatched globally. As the largest supplier of gas and oil to European countries, Russia uses the power of its resources for foreign policy purposes, so even the current war in Ukraine has not stopped the gas supply to the European Union. The author analyzes the potency of ROSATOM as the world’s largest exporter of nuclear technology and the possibilities for Serbia to use the strategic partnership with Russia for the arrangement of the construction of a nuclear power plant. The work is based on a realistic theoretical setting of international relations. The main hypothesis is that, on the path of the energy transition, Serbia must gradually reduce its dependence on coal-fired thermal power plants, which are inefficient and enormous environmental polluters. The best solution is the construction of a nuclear power plant based on Russian technology. Serbia has already taken steps to improve cooperation with Russia in the nuclear field through several signed agreements from 2018 to 2022. This serves as a solid starting point for the repeal of the law forbidding the construction of nuclear power plants and entering into an arrangement for the construction of such a plant on the territory of the Republic of Serbia.

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