Eskom hits major milestone in South Africa
Earlier this month, Eskom announced that Unit 2 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station had operated for 365 consecutive days without interruption, following extensive technical upgrades.
Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, owned by Eskom, is located in the Western Cape, near Melkbosstrand, and serves Cape Town and the rest of the Western Cape by providing a local source of electricity.
Eskom said the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Unit 2 has operated at an average Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 99.4% since the major upgrades were completed, supplying around 946MW of electricity to the national grid.
The Koeberg Power Station reduces the region’s reliance on power lines from coal-fired stations in northern areas.
“Nuclear power also produces electricity without greenhouse gas emissions, supporting a cleaner environment while keeping costs affordable,” said Eskom.
The Koeberg power station reportedly reinforces the national grid by serving as a stable anchor, helping to prevent instability and lowering the need for more expensive power stations.
“This milestone follows major upgrades to Unit 2, which returned to the grid on 30 December 2024 and has operated continuously since 9 March 2025,” said Eskom Group Executive for Generation Bheki Nxumalo.
“It showcases the strength of South Africa’s nuclear skills base. The successful installation of the new steam generators highlights the skill and dedication of the Koeberg team, engineers, technicians, operators, and support staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the unit runs safely and efficiently,” he said.
The unit is currently projected to run continuously for 412 days before it is taken offline for planned maintenance on 26 April, 2026.
While this duration is less than the previous record of 454 days set in 2022, Eskom stated that it highlights their success in reducing unplanned outages.
Eskom said the upcoming scheduled maintenance is crucial for safeguarding recent investments and ensuring the unit’s reliability for the next 20 years.
“The continuous operation of Koeberg Unit 2 is not just a technical achievement; it has a direct impact on the daily lives of South Africans,” said Eskom.
Eskom said that Koeberg’s Unit 2 milestone highlights the power station’s role in fostering economic growth and enhancing job security for South Africans.
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