Cape Town, South Africa – Koeberg Nuclear Power Station‘s Unit 2 has successfully returned to service, injecting a crucial 930 MW of electricity back into the South African grid. This milestone follows the completion of a major maintenance program aimed at extending the unit’s operational lifespan by an additional 20 years.
The extensive overhaul included the replacement of all three steam generators, comprehensive safety inspections, and refueling activities. These critical upgrades are part of Eskom’s strategic plan to ensure the long-term viability of Koeberg, a vital asset for South Africa’s energy security.
“Unit 2’s return is a significant achievement,” stated Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom Group Executive for Generation. “As South Africa transitions away from coal-fired power, nuclear energy provides a reliable and consistent baseload power source. Unlike intermittent renewable energy sources, nuclear power ensures continuous electricity generation, meeting the demands of both residential and industrial consumers.”
The successful return of Unit 2 follows the earlier return to service of Unit 1, which has demonstrated exceptional reliability since its restart. Together, the two units contribute approximately 5% of South Africa’s total electricity generation, playing a critical role in mitigating load shedding and stabilizing the national grid.
Eskom has emphasized the importance of extending the operational life of both Koeberg units. “There are currently 133 nuclear reactors worldwide operating for 40 years or more,” Eskom stated in a scoping report submitted to the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR). The NNR has already granted a 20-year license extension to Unit 1, and Eskom is currently seeking a similar extension for Unit 2.
