Agency team reviews response to recommendations in earlier review
The operator of South Africa’s Koberg nuclear power station needs to continue its work to ensure that programmes supporting long-term operation (LTO) are fully implemented for the LTO period and that the containment monitoring system is fully refurbished and remains fully functional, an International Atomic Energy Agency team has said.
The recommendations follow a Safety Aspects of Long-Term Operation (Salto) team follow-up review mission to the two-unit facility near Cape Town requested by the operator Eskom.
Koeberg-1 and -2 started commercial operation in 1984 and 1985 respectively. Unit 1 received a licence to continue operating until 2044 in July this year and Eskom is planning to extend operation of Unit 2 until 2045.
During the 3 to 6 September mission, the Salto team’s review focused on aspects essential to the safe LTO of both units. The mission reviewed Koeberg’s response to recommendations and suggestions made during a Salto mission in 2022, which built upon an initial IAEA pre-Salto mission in 2019.
“The team observed that the plant is addressing the Salto team’s suggestions and recommendations from the 2022 review,” said team leader and IAEA nuclear safety officer Bryce Lehman.
“Based on its efforts, the plant has made significant improvements in ageing management and resolved most of the issues identified in 2022. The plant is on track to complete the remaining items in a reasonable timeframe.”
The Salto team said Eskom had updated the LTO programme ensuring that all LTO activities are systematically planned, executed on schedule and aligned with safety and operational standards.
The Koeberg nuclear power station, 30 km north of Cape Town, provides around 5% of the country’s electricity and plays a vital role in reducing reliance on coal, the IAEA said.
It is the only commercially operating nuclear power station on the African continent.
The IAEA said Koeberg has two pressurised water reactors with a combined capacity of 1,934 MW, making it a key component of South Africa’s energy infrastructure.
South Africa’s energy minister said recently that the procurement process for planned new nuclear in South Africa could be delayed by up to six months to allow for more consultation following legal challenges.
