By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The newly refurbished Unit 2 at Koeberg nuclear power station was brought back online on Sunday evening, Eskom said in a statement.
The unit is currently operating at 646MW, with plans to ramp up to its full capacity of 930MW in line with operational protocols.
Koeberg Unit 2 went down due to a steam leak on its reheat system, which put the national grid under strain last week, leading to Stage 3 load shedding over the weekend.
Eskom assured that the issue was resolved using “robust nuclear safety protocols”, ensuring the unit’s return to operation without compromising safety standards.
“For more than four decades, Koeberg Nuclear Power Station has upheld an outstanding safety record, adhering to global best practices and stringent regulatory requirements, “the utility said.
Koeberg is a key contributor as part of Eskom’s energy generation mix and stabilising electricity supply in South Africa, and is known as one of the most reliable generators.
Unit 1 and Unit 2 of the station have undergone life extension exercises, with Unit 1 being granted a licence to deliver power for another 20 years through 21 July 2044.
Given that Unit 2 is in a similar condition as Unit 1, the NNR was requested to extend its operations for another 20 years, and Eskom awaits the regulator’s decision before its current licence expires on 9 November 2025.
The recent Long-Term Operation (LTO) programme for Unit 2 included the replacement of three steam generators, extensive inspections, and refuelling activities, ensuring continued safe and efficient performance,” Eskom said.
Having Koeberg Unit 2 back means that Eskom has more room to safeguard against load shedding.
However, the utility noted that Unit 1 is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance, including fuel refuelling and statutory tests, as part of the life extension process.
“These procedures are essential in ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of the unit, “it said.
Meanwhile Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa reaffirmed the Cabinet’s confidence in the Eskom board, led by Mteto Nyathi, and Eskom’s CEO, Dan Marokane. However, he acknowledged the scale of recent failures and said he would be going to “ground zero” – visiting Kendal, Matimba, Lethabo, Camden, Kusile and Koeberg plants, and speaking to managers and employees – to find out what’s going on, as well as to boost morale.
“So, clearly there’s been areas of failure, and those areas require that we have an honest conversation,” said Ramokgopa.
“I think, as a minister, I have a duty and obligation, because ultimately I’m the one who must communicate to the country on what are the sets of interventions that we are taking.”