Cape Town – Eskom’s generation capacity is set to increase by 1 860MW as units 1 and 2 at Koeberg Power Station are scheduled to return to commercial operation on November 3 and November 7.
These units have been offline for planned refueling and maintenance since last year.
The maintenance work aims to enhance the nuclear power station’s efficiency and add 27MW to its output.
“The replacement of the steam generators was a first of its kind complex nuclear project to be performed at Koeberg and is the last major plant component out of the three to be replaced at the unit as part of the Long-Term Operation (LTO) project.
Eskom provides feedback on Koeberg Unit 1’s planned maintenance and gives assurance that the Long-Term Operation (LTO) project is on track pic.twitter.com/z860bUbVEQ
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) August 17, 2023
“The other two components, namely the replacement of the Refuelling Water Storage Tanks and the Reactor Vessel Closure Heads, have been replaced in previous years on both Units 1 and 2. The replacement of the steam generators is the last of the large components that Eskom deemed necessary to be replaced in support of its application to operate the Koeberg units for another 20 years,” the power utility said.
Eskom has applied to the National Nuclear Regulator for this extension, citing the plant’s history of safe operation and consistent improvements in safety and maintenance.
The Koeberg units have been operating safely for almost 40 years, contributing to stable power supply in the Western Cape region.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
