Nation recently announced plans for additional nuclear capacity, including SMRs
South Africa’s nuclear regulator has approved operation of the 930-MW Koeberg-2 unit near Cape Town for a further 20 years of operation until 9 November 2045, state power company and nuclear operator Eskom said.
Eskom said the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) approved the licence extension following detailed safety assessments, technical reviews and infrastructure upgrades as part of the station’s long-term operation (LTO) programme.
“The approval marks a significant step in strengthening South Africa’s long-term energy security and reflects Eskom’s commitment to maintaining world-class nuclear safety standards,” a statement said.
NNR board chairperson Protas Phili said: “This licence approval was granted after a rigorous safety assessment which confirmed that all regulatory requirements for the period of long-term operation have been met for Unit 2 and relevant public representations were considered in the decision-making process.”
The two-unit Koeberg is the only operating commercial nuclear power plant on the African continent, although units are under construction at El Dabaa in Egypt and a number of other African nations have expressed an interest in reactor deployment.
Unit 1 at Koeberg began commercial operation in July 1984 and Unit 2 in November 1985. Both units have undergone extensive maintenance and upgrades to enable their long-term operation.
Unit 2 was reconnected to the grid on 30 December 2024 after the completion of extensive maintenance to extend its operational lifespan by an additional 20 years.
In July 2024 the NNR gave Eskom permission to operate the 924-MW Unit 1 for an additional 20 years until July 2044.
South Africa has said it plans to revive its small modular nuclear reactor project and increase nuclear generation.
