South Africa’s nuclear regulator has given state-owned Eskom the green light to operate one of two units at the continent’s only nuclear plant for an additional two decades. This decision comes as the country’s electricity supply remains precarious.
Koeberg Extension Granted
The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) has granted an operating license for Unit 1 of the 1,940-megawatt Koeberg station, allowing it to function until July 2044. NNR Chief Executive Officer Ditebogo Kgomo made this announcement during a press briefing on Monday. Located on the Atlantic coast, about 27 kilometers north of Cape Town, Koeberg’s first unit was completed in 1984, followed by the second unit in 1985.
A Vital Decision for Eskom
This extension is a significant relief for Eskom, whose primarily coal-fired plants have been susceptible to frequent breakdowns, leading to record power cuts over recent years. Koeberg has a reputation as one of Eskom’s most reliable stations, although a program to overhaul the facility, planned since 2010, has faced numerous delays.
Challenges and Opposition
Koeberg has also faced opposition from environmental groups. Notably, Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, who oversaw energy at the time, dismissed community representative Peter Becker from the NNR board, citing a conflict of interest. This dismissal was later deemed unlawful by the country’s high court.
An International Atomic Energy Agency peer-review mission in 2022 acknowledged some progress in preparing for Koeberg’s safe long-term operations. However, it urged the plant’s management to implement several measures to ensure continued safety.
Future of Unit 2
The decision regarding Unit 1’s extension was timely. Eskom had earlier obtained permission to separate the operating timelines of Koeberg’s two units. While Unit 1’s license will expire on July 21, 2024, Unit 2 can continue operating until November 9, 2025, before it also requires renewal. The regulator has deferred its decision on Unit 2, as noted by Kgomo.
The extension of Unit 1’s license is a crucial step in stabilizing South Africa’s energy supply and ensuring the reliability of one of its key power generation facilities.
