SA Extends Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 Licence by 20 Years

On Monday, Eskom announced that the NNR had granted the power utility a licence to operate Unit 1 for an additional 20 years, extending its life until July 21, 2044.

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has welcomed the National Nuclear Regulator's (NNR) announcement of a licence extension for the operating life of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 1.

On Monday, Eskom announced that the NNR had granted the power utility a licence to operate Unit 1 for an additional 20 years, extending its life 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. 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,” said Minister Ramokgopa.

Eskom's Chief Nuclear Officer, Keith Featherstone, noted that the licence extension is a testament to the dedication and commitment of their teams to nuclear safety and the utility’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 explained that Unit 1 will continue to operate until January 2025, when it is scheduled for its next refuelling and maintenance outage.

“The current licence for Koeberg Unit 2 expires on November 9, 2025. The Koeberg Power Station is implementing some of the prerequisites for Long Term Operation in the current outage. Once the current outage is complete, Unit 2 will be returned to service, and the NNR has stated that the decision regarding the Long-Term Operation for Unit 2 will be made at a later date, but prior to November 9, 2025,” Eskom stated.