02
Mon, Dec
34 New Articles

Is It Time to Reconsider Nuclear Energy in Serbia?

Is It Time to Reconsider Nuclear Energy in Serbia?

Serbia
Tools
Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

In recent years, growing energy demands and environmental concerns have brought nuclear energy back into focus. Its importance lies in producing large amounts of energy while emitting fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuels. As countries seek sustainable energy solutions, many are turning to nuclear power. However, despite its benefits, nuclear energy faces legal barriers in several countries, including Australia, Austria, Denmark, and Serbia.

Why is nuclear energy banned in Serbia?

In 1989, SFR Yugoslavia passed the Nuclear Power Plants Construction Ban Act, which Serbia later inherited. This act was a response to the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, then part of the USSR. In 1986, a reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded, causing a massive fire and radiation leak with severe long-term consequences. Many countries reacted by enacting measures to prevent similar disasters, with some opting to ban nuclear energy altogether.

Advances in technology over the past decades have significantly improved the safety of nuclear power plants and waste disposal. As a result, some countries have reduced their opposition to nuclear power and are now considering developing nuclear power plants.

Benefits of nuclear energy

Nuclear energy offers numerous benefits and could help address the emerging energy crisis. It is one of the cleanest energy sources, with minimal environmental risks thanks to modern technology. Nuclear power plants can produce large amounts of energy consistently, regardless of external factors like climate conditions.

With the rise of AI and other technologies, electricity consumption is expected to increase significantly. As the demand for clean energy grows, Serbia is reconsidering nuclear energy. The first step towards this is to remove the legal ban on nuclear power.

The Nuclear Power Plants Construction Ban Removal Bill has been introduced in the legislative process. While this is a step forward, much work remains before Serbia can establish nuclear power plants.

Other barriers for developing nuclear energy

Legal barriers are not the only challenge. Public fear of nuclear power plants persists, and it will take time to overcome this. Educating the population on the benefits and safety of nuclear energy is crucial. Another challenge is the lack of nuclear energy experts, a result of the long-standing ban. Ensuring the safety of nuclear operations requires highly trained personnel. Finally, nuclear energy is expensive. Building and maintaining nuclear power plants and reactors require significant resources.

However, the cost of energy shortages and environmental pollution is much higher.

Conclusion

Amid growing energy needs and environmental challenges, nuclear energy emerges as a promising option. Legal barriers are just the first hurdle in developing nuclear power plants, but they are not the last.

Despite the challenges, the benefits of nuclear energy far outweigh the risks, making it likely that its development will increase worldwide.

By Nemanja Sladakovic, Senior Associate, and Marko Jovic, Associate, Gecic Law

Gecic Law at a Glance

Committed to redefining a law firm's role in an emerging regional market, Gecić Law is a full-service law firm that advises international and local clients from the public and private sectors in navigating the complex legal landscape of the region across multiple practice areas. Members of the Gecić Law team have graduated from leading universities in the US and Europe. They have extensive local and international experience, with a particular focus on EU regulatory frameworks and international trade and a proven track record in providing innovative and practical solutions in the most complex of matters.

Gecić Law is an exclusive member of two leading global alliances, TerraLex and TAGLaw, extending its international footprint. The firm and its lawyers have continuously been recognized in several practice areas by elite global directories, including The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners and Benchmark Litigation. Gecić Law was named Law Firm of the Year: South Eastern Europe 2021 and Law Firm of the Year: Eastern Europe and the Balkans 2020 at The Lawyer European Awards and was repeatedly nominated in other practice areas.

For more details, please visit geciclaw.com.