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South Africa’s state-owned power utility, Eskom, has officially submitted an application to the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), requesting a 20-year extension for the operational license of Unit 2 at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant, situated near Cape Town.
The current license for Unit 2 — which generates 930 megawatts of electrical power (MWe) — is set to expire next year. In preparation for this, Eskom has taken proactive steps to ensure the continued operation of the facility, which plays a crucial role in South Africa’s energy supply.
During the African Energy Week conference in Cape Town, at a panel discussion titled “Nuclear Energy in Africa: Financing, Economic, and Sustainable Deployment”, Velaphi Ntuli, Chief Nuclear Officer at Koeberg, confirmed that the unit remains in excellent operational condition. “Currently, there are no safety issues with Unit 2,” Ntuli assured delegates, emphasizing that the plant adheres to stringent safety and regulatory standards.
Ntuli explained that Eskom’s decision to seek the license renewal is backed by comprehensive safety evaluations and maintenance programs that confirm the plant’s reliability. He expressed confidence that the NNR would approve the request, citing the strength of Eskom’s technical case and compliance with all safety requirements.
As part of the regulatory process, Eskom has conducted public consultation sessions in the Northern Cape, with further hearings planned in the Western Cape, in accordance with South Africa’s legal framework for environmental and nuclear oversight.
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This latest application follows a successful license extension for Unit 1 at the same facility, which was approved by the NNR earlier. The two reactors at Koeberg are the only nuclear power units on the African continent and have been key to providing stable, low-carbon electricity to the national grid since their commissioning in the 1980s. If approved, the extension of Unit 2’s license will allow Eskom to continue operating the reactor safely until the mid-2040s, supporting South Africa’s ongoing efforts to ensure energy security and reduce carbon emissions.
