Serbia should begin efforts to build first commercial nuclear power station by establishing a national nuclear energy company and holding a public hearing in parliament with the participation of “prominent nuclear energy experts”, the director of Belgrade-based utility Beogradske Elektrane said.

Rade Basta told news portal n1info.com that a nuclear plant would ensure a stable electricity supply and reduce the country’s use of coal. Serbia currently produces 70% of its electricity from coal.

He said Serbia could either build a large-scale plant of about 1,000 MW or use small modular reactor technology of about 350 MW. SMRs can be integrated with renewables, gas and hydrogen units, he said.