Good news for load shedding in South Africa

Power utility Eskom says that it has successfully brought the downed Koeberg Unit 2 back to service.

The unit was brought back online on Sunday, 9 March, and incrementally ramped up to 646MW. Its output will continue to increase until it reaches its full capacity of 930MW, it said.

Koeberg Unit 2 went down due to a steam leak on its reheat system, which put the national grid under strain last week, leading to Stage 3 load shedding over the weekend.

Eskom assured that the issue was resolved using “robust nuclear safety protocols”, ensuring the unit’s return to operation without compromising safety standards.

“For more than four decades, Koeberg Nuclear Power Station has upheld an outstanding safety record, adhering to global best practices and stringent regulatory requirements,” the utility said.

Koeberg is a key contributor as part of Eskom’s energy generation mix and stabilising electricity supply in South Africa, and is known as one of the most reliable generators.

Unit 1 and Unit 2 of the station have undergone life extension exercises, with Unit 1 being granted a licence to deliver power for another 20 years through 21 July 2044.

Given that Unit 2 is in a similar condition as Unit 1, the NNR was requested to extend its operations for another 20 years, and Eskom awaits the regulator’s decision before its current licence expires on 9 November 2025.

“The recent Long-Term Operation (LTO) programme for Unit 2 included the replacement of three steam generators, extensive inspections, and refuelling activities, ensuring continued safe and efficient performance,” Eskom said.

Having Koeberg Unit 2 back means that Eskom has more room to safeguard against load shedding.

However, the utility noted that Unit 1 is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance, including fuel refuelling and statutory tests, as part of the life extension process.

“These procedures are essential in ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of the unit,” it said.

This means that any slippages at other power stations could change the picture pretty quickly.

Following another bout of load shedding over the weekend, where Stage 3 load shedding was implemented on Saturday and Sunday morning, electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is taking a hands-on approach to assess the state of the country’s power stations.

On Tuesday, 11 March 2025, Ramokgopa will be conducting oversight visits to Eskom’s Kendal and Lethabo Power Stations.

This is in direct response to the recent “operational challenges and performance issues” affecting these critical facilities.

The department said that the visits aim to assess current performance levels, identify key constraints and see where things can be improved.

Ramokgopa has warned that load shedding remains part of the picture in South Africa, and until capacity can be built and current projects come online, the risk of setbacks is ever-present.

This is of particular concern as the country heads into winter, where demand on the national grid increases.

Eskom is expected to deliver its winter outlook later this month.