- Four decades of clean and dependable energy
- Licence extension strengthens South Africa’s nuclear future
- Commitment to safety, sustainability, and economic growth
Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Unit 2 has reached a major milestone, celebrating 40 years of providing safe, clean, and reliable energy to South Africa.
The plant, located near Cape Town, has been in commercial operation since 9 November 1985 and continues to play a vital role in ensuring the country’s energy security and supporting its economic development.
According to Eskom, Unit 2 has been a cornerstone of South Africa’s energy system, delivering consistent baseload power that enhances grid stability and sustains growth in the Western Cape and beyond.
Licence extended for another 20 years
In a move that reaffirms confidence in the country’s nuclear capability, the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) has approved a 20-year licence extension for Unit 2, allowing it to operate until 2045.
The approval followed an extensive long-term operation programme that involved detailed safety assessments, engineering upgrades, and system modernisation to ensure Koeberg continues to meet international nuclear safety standards.
This development comes just over a year after Unit 1 celebrated its own 40-year anniversary in July 2024 and received a licence extension until 2044.
Together, the two units will continue to supply approximately 1,860 megawatts of clean and affordable electricity to the national grid for the next two decades, aligning with the government’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2025) and the broader goal of achieving a just energy transition.
Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, described the milestone as a proud moment for South Africa, noting that it demonstrates the nation’s ability to safely and sustainably operate complex energy infrastructure.
“Koeberg’s 40-year milestone is proof of our capability to manage world-class nuclear facilities. With both units now licensed for another 20 years, Koeberg remains central to our energy security and clean energy transition under IRP2025,” he said.
Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, attributed the station’s success to the professionalism and dedication of its workforce. “Koeberg’s consistent performance over the decades is the result of our employees’ expertise and commitment. Their work ensures safe, reliable operations that keep the lights on for millions of South Africans,” he said.
Unit 2 currently contributes 946 megawatts to the national grid and has maintained a 100 per cent Energy Availability Factor (EAF) for 244 consecutive days so far this year—a reflection of its world-class reliability.
The plant has also earned more than 14 NOSCAR safety awards from the National Occupational Safety Association (NOSA), underscoring its strong culture of safety and operational discipline.
