Major trip hits Koeberg power station

Power utility Eskom has announced that Koeberg Unit 2 experienced an unplanned trip on Sunday. While load shedding remains suspended, it warned that the grid remains strained.

Eskom announced on Sunday evening (2 March 2025) that Koeberg Unit 2 was safely shut down after an unplanned trip and added that the start-up process would begin following a safety review.

Eskom said that Unit 2 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station experienced an unplanned, non-technical trip while operating at full capacity.

“Koeberg Unit 2 inadvertently tripped during the execution of work on Unit 1, which is currently offline for work to be conducted as part of its Long-Term Operation (LTO) program.

“Unit 2 was safely shut down in accordance with its protection protocols, ensuring continued stability and security,” it said.

Eskom added that it has since established that it is safe to initiate the start-up process for Koeberg Unit 2, which is in line with standard operating procedures, and Unit 2 is expected to be reconnected to the national grid within 48 hours.

While the trip did not necessitate the implementation of load shedding, which remains suspended, Eskom stressed that overall, generation capacity remains constrained.

“The company continues to maintain high levels of maintenance, averaging 7,032MW in February.

“These efforts are key to enhancing fleet reliability ahead of increased winter demand while also meeting environmental licence conditions and regulatory requirements,” it said.

Eskom assured the public that Koeberg Nuclear Power Station maintains the highest safety standards, as evidenced by the management of today’s event.

The power utility noted that further updates would be provided as needed.