Cooperation between French energy company EDF and Serbia’s electricity distribution system operator EDS is progressing through a set of initiatives aimed at modernizing the country’s electricity distribution network, with a strong focus on digital technologies, automation and smart metering systems.
The partnership is centered on improving the operational performance of Serbia’s power distribution system by increasing efficiency, reducing outages and enhancing real-time monitoring capabilities. EDF International representative in Serbia, Admir Prelić, stated that the initiative combines French technical expertise with Serbia’s local development priorities, while also incorporating experience gained by Serbian professionals working abroad.
According to Prelić, automation represents only one component of a broader transformation process. Digitalization is expected to significantly improve grid visibility, enable faster fault detection, allow remote system management and reduce the duration of power outages.
The introduction of smart grid technologies is also intended to support more efficient maintenance planning and more precise long-term investment decisions in electricity infrastructure. A key element of the transition is the rollout of smart meters, which collect real-time consumption data and can help reduce technical losses while improving system balancing and integration of renewable energy sources.
For consumers, smart metering could provide more detailed insight into electricity usage, potentially enabling households to better manage and optimize their energy consumption patterns. EDF’s activities in Serbia are primarily focused on distribution system development, while other divisions of the company remain involved in nuclear energy cooperation and renewable energy projects.
Cooperation between Serbia and EDF in the nuclear energy sector is also continuing to expand. The process began in 2024 following the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Serbia, which included initial technical discussions on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Subsequent phases have included knowledge-sharing activities covering reactor technologies, EU-based supply chains, workforce development and public communication related to nuclear energy.
Future steps are expected to focus on developing a long-term strategic roadmap and conducting feasibility studies on the potential integration of nuclear capacity into Serbia’s future energy system.
