Serbia's amended energy law lifts moratorium on nuclear power

BELGRADE - Amendments to Serbia's energy law, passed by the parliament on Wednesday, introduce numerous novelties to improve the functioning of the energy system, ensure greater energy security in the transition to clean energy sources, align the national regulatory framework with that of the EU and lift the country's moratorium on nuclear power.

The amendments lay the groundwork for efficient functioning of an organised electricity market and connectivity of day-ahead and intraday trading markets at regional and EU level, while protecting all categories of consumers.

In a first for Serbia, they introduce licences for electricity storage while those who produce electricity for their own needs are freed of the obligation to obtain licences regardless of whether they sell any surplus electricity to the system.

The law also defines energy poverty as a condition in which a household has no access to fundamental energy services ensuring decent living and health standards.

It also creates conditions for the establishment and operation of energy communities, and novelties include compulsory certification of installers of renewable energy sources systems.

The law also stipulates the adoption of a programme of development and use of hydrogen and a programme of development of production and use of heat energy.