Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.
Image source: https://www.eskom.co.za

This week, Unit 2 of Eskom’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station marked 365 days of uninterrupted operation. During this period, Unit 2 supplied about 946 MW to the national grid while achieving a 99.4% Energy Availability Factor.

According to Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), this is an achievement worth recognising. It not only demonstrates South Africa’s readiness to pursue its nuclear energy goals outlined in the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, but also cements the country’s reputation as the continent’s nuclear energy leader.

Prof. Tyobeka is the former CEO of the National Nuclear Regulator and chairperson of the Ministerial Expert Panel on Nuclear.

“The uninterrupted operation of Unit 2 at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station for 365 days provides reassurance and living proof that nuclear energy is a reliable, clean baseload source of electricity generation. It demonstrates that the decision to include nuclear power in the Integrated Resource Plan was a sound one, grounded in scientific and technical analysis.

“It also shows that, as a nation, we can transition our ageing coal power stations through the deployment of nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors without compromising the baseload stability of our electricity system. With nuclear energy in the mix, the nation’s grid can be supported by a stable and reliable supply of electricity, operating around the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” Prof. Tyobeka said.

He added that the milestone has another important implication:

“At the same time, this achievement demonstrates that the Eskom team has begun to restore the confidence that the nation had lost in them. Their performance at Koeberg shows that we have engineers and technicians with the necessary expertise and capability to play a central role in a future nuclear new build programme in South Africa.”

Koeberg’s success also bodes well for the country’s future ambitions.

“Koeberg has once again shown that we have the nuclear capacity and capability to help stabilise our electricity grid. This is so important if we look at our industrialisation goals and the establishment of trade corridors that rely on this stability. We must be honest about the mistakes Eskom has made, but we must also give credit where it is due and Koeberg’s sustained delivery should be lauded,” he said.

Prof. Tyobeka also noted how South Africa is currently the only country on the continent producing grid electricity from a commercial nuclear power station, with Egypt’s El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant the only other commercial nuclear plant currently under construction on the continent. Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda are all in different stages of nuclear regulatory and programme development.

Prof. Tyobeka said: “We have set an example for the rest of Africa to follow. Now we must continue to lead. Koeberg has shown that we can.”