Second Koeberg unit returns to service
Unit 2 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in Cape Town was reconnected to the South African grid on 30 December after the completion of extensive maintenance to extend the unit's operational lifespan by an additional 20 years.
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The maintenance programme included the replacement of three steam generators, comprehensive inspections, and refuelling activities to ensure the reactor's continued safe and efficient performance. These enhancements align with Eskom's broader strategy to secure the future of Koeberg's reactors, which the state-owned company says are critical to South Africa's energy security: unit 2's 930 MWe contribution plays a significant role in Eskom's goal to increase the company's capacity by 2500 MW by March 2025, it said.
Unit 2 was taken offline for its maintenance outage on 11 December 2023, shortly after unit 1 returned to service following the completion of similar work. In July, South Africa's National Nuclear Regulator granted Eskom a licence to continue operating unit 1 for another 20 years, until 21 July 2044, and is expected to decide on a similar extension of unit 2's operational licence later this year. Unit 1 has shown "exceptional reliability" since its return to service, Eskom said. Together, the two units supply around 5% of South Africa's total electricity and play a vital role in reducing loadshedding and stabilising the grid.
"As South Africa phases out some of the aging coal-fired power plants by 2030, nuclear energy is poised to provide a reliable and stable baseload supply. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, nuclear power ensures continuous electricity generation, meeting the needs of both residential and industrial users. Its ability to produce carbon-free energy also supports South Africa's climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions," Eskom Group Executive for Generation Bheki Nxumalo said.
Although projects like the long-term operation (LTO) programme at Koeberg require high initial upfront investment, their long-term benefits make them indispensable, according to Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane. "Koeberg exemplifies how nuclear power can align economic and environmental priorities to create a sustainable energy future. Through the successful execution of the LTO project, our Koeberg team has once more demonstrated the exceptional skills we have to support our country's nuclear ambitions," he added.
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