Minister of Energy and Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has welcomed the National Nuclear Regulator’s announcement that the operating life of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 will be extended for 20 years.
Ramokgopa described the decision as a testament to the safety record of the facility and an affirmation of nuclear energy as an important contributor in meeting the country’s energy security objectives. The power station will provide 930 megawatts of capacity to the grid, for another 20 years, until July 21, 2044.
“The extension of the operating life of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 will not only ensure the continued supply of electricity to meet the growing demand, but also contribute to our efforts in transitioning towards a cleaner, more affordable and sustainable energy future,” Ramokgopa said in a statement on Monday.
“We look forward to the continued safe and reliable operation of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 as we work towards meeting our energy needs,” he said.
Eskom said in a statement that it has operated the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station safely for 40 years and had invested in safety improvements and extensive maintenance to ensure that it continues to operate safely into the future.
Koeberg Unit 1 will join approximately 120 reactors worldwide that have safely continued operations beyond their initial 40-year life.
Eskom group executive for generation, Bheki Nxumalo, said the power utility is proud of its achievement that ensures that Africa's only nuclear power plant can now continue to operate in future.
Eskom chief nuclear officer Keith Featherstone said the granting of the licence is “a testament to the hard work and continued commitment of our teams to nuclear safety and Eskom’s generation recovery plan”.
“Over the years, Koeberg has identified and implemented safety improvements through both French and US nuclear experiences, which have reduced the risk to levels that would normally only be achieved by new, modern nuclear power plants,” Featherstone said.
Eskom said it will continue to operate the unit until January 2025, when it will be shut down for its next scheduled refuelling and maintenance outage.
The current licence for Koeberg Unit 2 expires on November 9, 2025.
