The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) has approved a 20-year long term operation licence for Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Unit 2 – enabling continued operation until November 9, 2045. Together with Unit 1’s licence, granted in 2024, both units can collectively provide about 1 860 MW of baseload power to the national grid.
According to the NNR, the approval follows a rigorous safety assessment and a third round of public hearings in the Northern Cape and Western Cape in September and October when public submissions were considered before the decision was finalised.
“Our primary mandate is to protect persons, property and the environment against the harmful effects of radiation,” says NNR Board Chairperson Protas Phili.
According to Eskom, Koeberg plays a vital role in stabilising the regional grid and reducing transmission losses. Unit 2 is currently supplying 946 MW to the national grid after an extensive life-extension programme that included replacement of three steam generators and other key components.
Nuclear energy remains part of South Africa’s draft Integrated Resource Plan 2025, which identifies it as a source of low-carbon, dependable baseload power. Eskom says the licence extension allows continued utilisation of existing infrastructure while supporting national energy security goals. Extending Koeberg’s operation will help retain critical nuclear engineering skills and contribute to lowering the country’s carbon intensity, Eskom added.
“Koeberg providing more vital baseload power forms the backbone for renewable energy growth and integration into the grid to maintain grid stability and supply,” says Eskom’s Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane.
