Cape town: The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) has granted a 20-year licence extension to Eskom’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 2, ensuring its operation until November 2045. This decision is a key development in sustaining South Africa’s energy security and demonstrates Eskom’s dedication to upholding nuclear safety standards.
According to South African Government News Agency, Unit 2 contributes approximately 946MW to South Africa’s electricity grid and has achieved an Energy Availability of 100% for 241 consecutive days this year. This reliability highlights the unit’s importance in maintaining the country’s electricity supply. The extension was awarded following a successful refurbishment and life-extension programme, which encompassed the replacement of steam generators, comprehensive safety inspections, and refuelling activities to guarantee safe and efficient operations.
In July 2024, Koeberg’s Unit 1 also received a long-term operating licence, extending its service life to July 2044. With both units now part of over 120 nuclear reactors worldwide that have surpassed their initial 40-year design life, Koeberg reaffirms its position among resilient and well-managed nuclear facilities globally. This aligns with South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2025), supporting low-carbon, cost-effective baseload power.
The extension allows Eskom to delay large-scale infrastructure replacement, maintain crucial nuclear skills, and contribute to carbon emission reduction. Eskom’s Chief Nuclear Officer, Velaphi Ntuli, emphasized the collective effort of skilled employees and the nuclear value chain in achieving the extension. He highlighted the safety assessments and regulatory requirements that showcase South Africa’s nuclear engineering talent, which the company aims to cultivate through STEM education to support future nuclear capacity development.
Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane noted that this extension is part of Eskom’s ongoing efforts to ensure energy security in South Africa via the Generation Recovery Plan. By preserving national assets like Koeberg, Eskom aims to facilitate socio-economic growth and transition to a cleaner energy portfolio, reducing reliance on high-carbon sources and enhancing renewable energy integration for grid stability.