Good news about Koeberg

Eskom has announced that it successfully returned Unit 2 at Koeberg nuclear power station to service on Sunday, 9 March 2025.

Following its startup from 18:17 on Sunday, the unit has been incrementally ramped up to 646MW and will continue to increase its output until it reaches its full capacity of 930MW.

Eskom said this was in accordance with established operational protocols.

“This follows an unplanned outage due to a steam leak on the reheat system,” the power utility said.

“The issue was resolved using Eskom’s robust nuclear safety protocols, ensuring the unit’s return to operation without compromising safety standards.”

The outage contributed to the need to implement stage 3 load-shedding on Friday, 7 March 2025.

It came after the unit was taken offline just a few days earlier due to a non-technical issue.

Eskom said it remained fully committed to maintaining Koeberg’s outstanding nuclear safety record, with all operational procedures designed to maintain the highest standards of excellence.

Eskom generation head Bheki Nxumalo said that Koeberg was a key part of Eskom’s energy generation mix and stabilised electricity supply in South Africa by providing reliable baseload power.

“It helps increase the energy security of the country and provide critical megawatts to close our national energy supply gap, and it will continue to play a key role as Eskom moves aggressively into delivering a cleaner energy portfolio,” Nxumalo said.

The outage of Koeberg Unit 2 resulted in the entire power station being offline as Koeberg Unit 1 is currently out of operation as part of a long-term refurbishment that will extend its life by 20 years.

Unit 2 was offline for nearly a year as part of its refurbishment, which included replacing three steam generators, inspections, and refuelling activities.

Eskom said that the life extension will see Koeberg joining approximately 120 reactors worldwide that have safely extended operations beyond their initial 40-year lifespan.

“These improvements align with Eskom’s broader strategy to secure the long-term viability of Koeberg’s reactors, which are vital to South Africa’s energy security.”

Eskom added that extending Koeberg’s operational lifespan was a key initiative in strengthening South Africa’s energy security.

“As a source of reliable, clean, and cost-effective baseload power, Koeberg plays a crucial role in diversifying the country’s energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels,” the power utility said.

“As South Africa moves towards a greener economy, Koeberg remains central to the country’s energy strategy.”

While the National Nuclear Regulator has approved the extension of Koeberg Unit 1’s operating licence until 21 July 2044, it has yet to grant the same for Unit 2’s, which expires on 9 November 2025.

Unit 1 is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance, including fuel refuelling and statutory tests as part of its life extension process.

“These procedures are essential in ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of the unit,” Eskom said.