South Africa’s only nuclear power station, Koeberg, has had four radioactive contamination incidents in recent weeks, but Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says South Africans should not be worried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The three events occurred at Unit 2 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, on the outskirts of Cape Town, during maintenance work on 30 June, 2 July and 7 July. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The power utility confirmed a fourth incident as well took place on 16 July. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This was due to a power outage to the ventilation units serving temporary maintenance tents inside the reactor building. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the result was elevated airborne radioactive contamination, it was controlled only within the containment building and remained isolated there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No radioactive material was released into the environment, and there was no risk to nearby communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Workers exposed also received radiation at levels lower than those from a dental X-ray. It was also less than a couple of minutes of use of one’s mobile phone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ramokgopa said that Koeberg was operating for over 40 years, with unit 2 at the power station receiving an extension of life for another 20 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Minister said this was possible because Koeberg was operating with little to no evidence of incidents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although nuclear energy is seen as incredibly dangerous, coal-fired power stations kill thousands of people in South Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ramokgopa admitted that nuclear energy needs to be addressed, given the state’s plan to secure an additional 5.2 GW of nuclear capacity by 2039. Koeberg produces around 2GW of power. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also emphasised that Koeberg’s power has been essential in stopping load shedding in the country over the last several years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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