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Participation of the Vinča Institute in the International Expert Forum "The Western Balkans in Energy Transition"

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The International Scientific and Expert Forum "The Western Balkans in Energy Transition" was held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia on May 13–14, 2025. The event brought together representatives from government institutions, the academic community, and the business sector from across the region.

The Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences was one of the co-organizers of this important conference, alongside the Public Enterprise Electric Utility of Bosnia and Herzegovina), within the framework of the international HORIZON 2020 project under the acronym INITIATE.

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In her opening address, Dr. Marija Gnjatović, State Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, emphasized: “We are witnessing global uncertainty and the acceleration of climate change, which are leaving serious consequences for the economy and resources. Energy stability and independence are crucial, but also represent an opportunity for smart transformation. Science and innovation are, more than ever before, the pillars of change and a source of sustainable solutions.”

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Dr. Predrag Škobalj, Assistant Director for Technological Development at the Vinča Institute, highlighted that the goal of the forum was to present to the scientific and professional community concrete steps and mechanisms for implementing the energy transition in the Western Balkans, and to show how research and educational institutions can contribute to this process.

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The forum proved to be an exceptionally fruitful platform for dialogue and the exchange of expertise, gathering more than 60 representatives from the public sector, academia, and industry. Over the course of two days, the program featured five keynote addresses and four plenary panels with 15 leading experts, a roundtable discussion with five deans and directors, and presentations of 13 key projects in the field of energy and renewable sources. The diverse topics covered included the development of the power sector, energy efficiency measures, green hydrogen production, the role of nuclear energy in peaceful applications, and models of successful cooperation between scientific-educational institutions and the industry - all of which contributed to constructive discussions and the establishment of new partnerships.

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The Director of the Vinča Institute, Dr. Slavko Dimović, took part in the panel discussion The Use of Nuclear Energy for Peaceful Purposes (Electricity Production) – Current Status, Perspectives, and Development.

Dr. Dimović explained why it is essential for the Republic of Serbia to consider building a nuclear power plant in the future for electricity production. He also outlined the envisioned role of the Vinča Institute in such a potential project, expressing the Institute's intention to support the training of new experts in this field through international cooperation, while also addressing the challenges and obstacles that may arise along the way.

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The points raised by Director Dimović confirm that the Institute will be one of the key pillars in the future development of nuclear energy in Serbia. With its longstanding experience and expert personnel, Vinča is an indispensable partner in all discussions related to nuclear energy. The fact that the forum was held under the patronage of our Institute further reflects our commitment to the development of the energy sector in Serbia.

By clearly expressing his position, Dr. Dimović reaffirmed his support for finding long-term and stable solutions for the country’s energy future, with nuclear energy emerging as one of the key options in this process. With Vinča as part of its team, Serbia has a reliable partner on this important path.

The significance of this forum and the positions expressed did not go unnoticed in the media. The event received wide coverage, and more information can be found at the following links: