South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has successfully reconnected the second unit of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant to the national grid following an extensive refurbishment, marking a significant milestone in stabilizing the country’s electricity supply.
After a decade marred by frequent power cuts, Eskom has maintained nine consecutive months of uninterrupted electricity supply, restoring confidence in Africa’s most industrialized economy.
Located north of Cape Town, Koeberg remains Africa’s only commercial nuclear power station, contributing approximately 1,860 megawatts—around 5% of South Africa’s total energy supply.
“Koeberg exemplifies how nuclear power can align economic and environmental priorities to create a sustainable energy future,” said Dan Marokane, Eskom’s Chief Executive Officer.
In July, South Africa’s nuclear regulator extended the operating license of Koeberg’s Unit 1 by an additional 20 years. A similar decision on Unit 2’s license is expected by the end of 2025.
Looking ahead, South Africa plans to add 2,500 megawatts of nuclear power to its energy mix and is revisiting the development of its Pebble Bed Modular Reactor project, which was shelved over a decade ago due to financial constraints.
