Escalating Risk of Simultaneous Shutdown at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station

The threat of a simultaneous shutdown of both units at Eskom’s Koeberg nuclear power station in Western Cape, South Africa is on the rise. Identified reasons include delays related to life-extension works, according to Eskom’s Chief Nuclear Officer, Keith Featherstone.

Unit 1, the first reactor currently undergoing life-extension work, has faced a series of delays with its return to service. Originally slated to return in mid-June 2023, subsequent revision dates have been set due to running operations. Featherstone confirmed another approximated 10-day delay on 19th October 2023. The new anticipated date for synchronising Unit 1 to the grid is now 30th October 2023, with full operations expected by 13th November 2023.

Simultaneously, this impacts Unit 2's shutdown schedule. The second 970 MW reactor, which requires a scheduled shutdown for refuelling, maintenance, and steam generator replacement, will be delayed until Unit 1's stable operation is verified. This move is strategic to evade a circumstance where both reactors are unproductive simultaneously.

Post-resumption on the 13th of November 2023, Unit 1 faces another shutdown. Scheduled for 200 days from 21st July 2024, this coincides with the expiration date of Koeberg nuclear power station's current operating license.

A series of overpressure tests on its nuclear reactor containment building is planned post a 9-month outage for Unit 1. With cracks appearing over the past 40 years, tests aim to verify radiation containment capabilities following an accident.

An application for separate expiry dates for Unit 1 and Unit 2's licenses has been set forth to the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) by Eskom. Awaiting the NNR's decision, the potential of a joint shutdown on 21st July 2024 looms if separate extended expiry dates are not granted.

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