On 9 November 2025, Eskom marked 40 years of safe, clean, and reliable operation of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Unit 2, reaffirming South Africa’s capabilities in operating world-class nuclear facilities to deliver affordable, low-carbon electricity to the country.
Unit 2 entered commercial operation on 9 November 1985 and since then has been a cornerstone of the country’s energy system – providing dependable baseload power, enhancing grid stability and supporting economic growth in the Western Cape and beyond.
This anniversary comes shortly after the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), on 6 November 2025, approved a 20-year licence extension for Unit 2, allowing for its continued operation until 2045.
The licence extension followed Eskom’s successful completion of an extensive refurbishment and life-extension programme, which included the replacement of three steam generators, detailed safety assessments, engineering upgrades, and system modernisation as part of the station’s Long-Term Operation (LTO) programme to ensure Koeberg continues to meet the highest international standards for safe nuclear power generation.
Unit 1 at Koeberg was granted a 20-year licence extension in July 2024, which allows it to operate until 2044. Togher the two units will continue to supply around 1 860 MW of power to the national grid for the next two decades, supporting the goals of the IRP2025 and South Africa’s just energy transition.
Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane said: “Koeberg’s 40-year milestone demonstrates our ability to operate complex infrastructure safely and sustainably. With both units now licensed for another 20 years, Koeberg remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s energy security and a key contributor to the clean energy transition in terms of the IRP2025.”
Commenting on the approved licence extension, Velaphi Ntuli, Eskom Chief Nuclear Officer said: “The granting of the 20-year life extension to Koeberg Unit 2, following last year’s similar extension for Unit 1, is a result of the hard work, focus and dedication of our highly skilled and competent employees at Koeberg, supported by colleagues across the company and throughout the nuclear value chain in the country.
Koeberg is located near Cape Town on South Africa’s west coast. [Photo credit: Bjorn Rudner]
“The rigorous safety assessments and regulatory requirements Eskom had to meet to achieve long-term operation demonstrate the depth of nuclear engineering talent available in South Africa. We continue to maintain and develop this talent, investing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education as we look to build new nuclear capacity in the coming years to support the recently published integrated resource plan,” Ntuli continued.
“The licence extension reflects South Africa’s ability to manage complex energy infrastructure with excellence. It strengthens our commitment to a secure, low-carbon energy future and aligns with national planning priorities to diversify and stabilise the electricity supply,” said Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom Group Executive for Generation.
Koeberg Unit 2, which currently contributes 946 MW to the grid, had achieved a 100% Energy Availability Factor (EAF) for 244 consecutive days year-to-date (as at 9 November 2025), reflecting its reliability. The station has also received more than 14 NOSCAR safety awards from the National Occupational Safety Association (NOSA), underscoring its culture of safety and discipline.
With both units now approved for extended operations, they join a global cohort of more than 120 nuclear reactors that have safely extended their service beyond the original 40-year design life – a further affirmation of Koeberg’s place among the world’s most resilient and well-managed nuclear facilities.
Located in the Western Cape, Koeberg plays a valuable role in stabilising the regional grid and reducing transmission losses.
For more information visit: www.eskom.co.za
