South Africa’s Eskom has successfully reconnected the second unit of its Koeberg Nuclear Power Station to the national grid after a major refit, providing a significant boost to the country’s electricity supply amid ongoing power challenges.
Koeberg, located north of Cape Town, is the only commercial nuclear power plant in Africa and contributes about 1,860 megawatts, or 5% of the nation’s power.
This marks a positive shift for Eskom, which has faced years of controlled power outages. The utility has managed to provide uninterrupted electricity for the past nine months, helping to restore business confidence in South Africa’s industrial economy.
Dan Marokane, Eskom’s CEO, emphasized that Koeberg demonstrates how nuclear energy can balance economic needs with environmental priorities, contributing to a sustainable energy future.
In July, South Africa’s nuclear regulator extended the operating licence for Unit 1 of Koeberg by 20 years. A similar decision for Unit 2 is expected before the end of 2025.
The government is also planning to add 2,500 MW of nuclear power in the future and is considering reviving the development of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor, a project halted over a decade ago due to funding and partnership issues.