Djedovic Handanovic: UAE's ENEC ready to help Serbia develop nuclear programme

DUBAI - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic met with Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi in Dubai on Wednesday to discuss bilateral cooperation in the nuclear energy sector.

The parties noted that Serbia and the UAE saw nuclear power as an option capable of securing energy supplies in the decarbonisation period in line with a projected increase of power consumption in the coming years and decades while ensuring reliable and clean production of base energy, the Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy said in a statement.

"ENEC expressed readiness to share with us its road map for establishment of a nuclear programme and to further develop cooperation with our institutions and companies regarding this matter," Djedovic Handanovic said.

She said ENEC was able to share its experience and know-how when it comes to improvement of professional and technical staff required for development, construction and management of nuclear facilities in Serbia, a country that was only approaching peaceful use of nuclear power.

"Their experiences provide a better insight into the requirements and challenges of implementing a nuclear energy programme in terms of storage and management of radioactive waste, procurement of nuclear fuel, engagement by all relevant parties in the project, as well as financing options," Djedovic Handanovic said.

"We will assess whether Serbia can join ENEC's international programme through which they share their experience and consider investments in nuclear programmes in countries around the world, and we will continue discussions towards formalising the cooperation, which we launched today," the minister said.