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Eskom, South Africa\u2019s major utility, said the second unit of the Koeberg nuclear power plant in that country was reconnected to the national grid after a major maintenance project.<\/p>\n
Eskom officials on Dec. 31 said the Koeberg plant, the only commercial nuclear power plant in Africa, again has about 1,860 MW of generation capacity. Eskom has worked to increase and stabilize South Africa\u2019s electricity supply after years of power outages and load-shedding moves across the country.<\/p>\n
Blackouts have been common in South Africa for several years. Eskom began its load-shedding program nearly two decades ago, and it reached its most-critical point in 2023, with some outages often lasting more than 12 hours. The utility this year, though, has suspended the program and provided what it calls uninterrupted power since late March. Officials have said nuclear power<\/a> will be key to increasing the country\u2019s electricity supply.<\/p>\n The Koeberg plant, which has operated since 1984, is located north of Cape Town. It supplies about 5% of South Africa\u2019s electricity. Eskom in a news release Tuesday said it brought Unit 2 back online on Monday, after \u201can extensive Long-Term Operation (LTO) programme designed to extend Unit 2\u2019s operational lifespan by an additional 20 years.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhile projects like the LTO programme necessitate a higher initial upfront investment, the long-term benefits\u2014including decades of affordable, low-carbon energy\u2014make them indispensable,\u201d said Dan Marokane, Eskom\u2019s chief executive. \u201cKoeberg exemplifies how nuclear power can align economic and environmental priorities to create a sustainable energy future. Through the successful execution of the LTO project, our Koeberg team has once more demonstrated the exceptional skills we have to support our country\u2019s nuclear ambitions.\u201d<\/p>\n The utility in a news release Tuesday said, \u201cThe maintenance programme for Unit 2 included the replacement of three steam generators, comprehensive inspections, and refueling activities to ensure the reactor\u2019s continued safe and efficient performance. These enhancements align with Eskom\u2019s broader strategy to secure the future of Koeberg\u2019s reactors, which are critical to the country\u2019s energy security. With a 930-MW contribution, Unit 2 plays a significant role in Eskom\u2019s goal to increase its capacity by 2,500 MW by March 2025.\u201d<\/p>\n Eskom\u2019s struggles to provide reliable power have created challenges for Africa\u2019s most-industrialized economy. Sabotage of the utility\u2019s electrical infrastructure, along with an aging fleet of coal-fired power plants, have exacerbated the country\u2019s energy crisis. An explosion at a large coal-fired plant in mid-December injured nine workers<\/a>.<\/p>\n South African officials in July of this year extended the 40-year operating license of Koeberg\u2019s Unit 1 reactor by another 20 years. An extension of the license for Unit 2 is expected sometime in 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cBy forming strategic collaborations with international designers, suppliers, and industry leaders, Koeberg has established itself as a hub for nuclear innovation. These partnerships are anticipated to be crucial as South Africa explores advanced nuclear technologies, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This could position the country as a leader in cutting-edge nuclear solutions while continuing to build and maintain a skilled nuclear workforce,\u201d said Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom\u2019s Group Executive for Generation.<\/p>\n \u201cAs South Africa phases out some of the aging coal-fired power plants by 2030, nuclear energy is poised to provide a reliable and stable baseload supply. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, nuclear power ensures continuous electricity generation, meeting the needs of both residential and industrial users. Its ability to produce carbon-free energy also supports South Africa\u2019s climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions,\u201d said Nxumalo.<\/p>\n \u2014Darrell Proctor<\/strong> is a senior editor for POWER.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nExtending Operational Life<\/h2>\n
Challenges for Power Grid, Economy<\/h2>\n