Koeberg Nuclear Station Secures Historic 20-Year Extension - Both Units to Operate Until 2045

November 6, 2025

National Nuclear Regulator Approves Koeberg Unit 2 Extension Until 2045

The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) has approved a 20-year license extension for Koeberg Nuclear Power Station's Unit 2, allowing the facility to continue operating until November 9, 2045. This approval follows last year's similar extension for Unit 1, ensuring South Africa's only nuclear power station will deliver 1860MW of baseload power for two more decades.

The extension comes after Eskom completed comprehensive safety assessments, technical reviews, and infrastructure upgrades as part of the station's Long-Term Operation (LTO) programme.

Exceptional Performance Metrics

According to Eskom, Koeberg Unit 2 has demonstrated remarkable reliability, operating at 100% Energy Availability Factor (EAF) for 241 consecutive days in 2025. The unit currently contributes 946MW to the national grid.

The extension follows the completion of major refurbishment work that included:

• Replacement of three steam generators
• Comprehensive safety inspections
• Refuelling activities

Unit 1 received its extension in July 2024, allowing operation until July 21, 2044. With both units now extended, Koeberg joins over 120 nuclear reactors worldwide that have safely extended their service beyond their original 40-year design life.

Strategic Importance to South Africa's Grid

Koeberg plays a critical role in South Africa's energy landscape, particularly after the country experienced its worst load shedding crisis in 2023, with over 300 days of power cuts. The Western Cape-based station helps stabilize the regional grid and reduces transmission losses due to its strategic location.

Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom Group Executive for Generation, described the extension as strengthening "our commitment to a low-carbon, secure energy future" that "aligns with national planning priorities to diversify and stabilise the electricity supply."

Nuclear in South Africa's Energy Mix

The extension supports objectives outlined in South Africa's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2025), which recognizes nuclear energy's role in providing low-carbon, baseload power. By extending Koeberg's lifespan, Eskom avoids the immediate need for large-scale infrastructure replacement.

Dan Marokane, Eskom's Group Chief Executive, stated that "Koeberg and Eskom's nuclear power expertise will play a key role as we move aggressively into delivering a cleaner energy portfolio." He added that Koeberg provides "vital baseload power" that "forms the backbone for renewable energy growth and integration into the grid."

Safety Record

Koeberg has maintained strong safety credentials, earning NOSCAR safety status from the National Occupational Safety Association (NOSA) more than 14 times. The station is also surrounded by a 3,000-hectare nature reserve.

Outlook

With load shedding concerns persisting in South Africa despite recent improvements, the Koeberg extension provides much-needed certainty for baseload generation capacity. The extension means Eskom can rely on approximately 1860MW of nuclear power for the next two decades while it navigates the broader transition toward increased renewable energy capacity.

The stable baseload provided by Koeberg will be particularly important during winter months when electricity demand typically rises and the grid faces greater pressure. However, maintaining the aging facility will require continued investment and expertise to ensure it operates safely throughout its extended lifespan.

Key Terms Explained

Energy Availability Factor (EAF): A percentage measure of how available a power station is to produce electricity at full capacity. 100% EAF means the unit was available to generate its maximum output without any interruptions during the period measured.

Baseload Power: Electricity that provides a consistent, reliable foundation for the power grid, available 24/7 regardless of weather conditions. Nuclear plants like Koeberg are valued for this constant output.

Long-Term Operation (LTO) programme: A systematic approach to extending the operational lifespan of nuclear facilities beyond their original design life through upgrades, replacements, and enhanced safety measures.

MW (Megawatt): A unit of power equivalent to one million watts. For context, 1MW of electricity can power approximately 650 average South African homes.