Name of the Project
Koeberg nuclear power plant steam-generator replacement (SGR) project.

Location
Western Cape, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Eskom.

Project Description
The current steam generators in Unit 1 and Unit 2 at the Koeberg nuclear power station have been in operation since 1984 and 1985 respectively. The aim of the project is to extend the design life of the nuclear power station by 20 years to 2045.

The project involves the replacement of all six steam generators for units 1 and 2.

The SGR project involves the design, manufacture and installation of three steam generators in each of the Koeberg power plant's two operating units, as well as safety analyses and studies to comprehensively demonstrate the plant's design integrity, with no adverse impact on public and worker safety and health or the environment, including the enhancement of nuclear safety.

The new generators will incorporate modern design features for easy maintenance and inspections and improve heat-transfer efficiency, leading to an overall efficiency improvement of Koeberg.

The installation of the generators will be conducted during the scheduled refuelling, inspections and maintenance outages of the two units at Koeberg power station. Eskom is on track and progressing according to plan for installation during the next unit 1 and 2 outages.

The other major components of the life-extension plan include:

- a refuelling water storage tank replacement project, completed in 2019.

- the Unit 2 reactor pressure vessel head replacement, with the installation thereof scheduled for 2022.

- the replacement of feed-train components on the conventional power plant, which is conducted during maintenance outages.

- the ongoing Koeberg safety aspects of long-term operation assessment. The assessment is designed to provide the equipment-ageing management confirmation to enable the Koeberg plant to operate beyond its original life span of 40 years to at least 60 years.

Capital Expenditure
Not stated.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) has asked State-owned power utility Eskom to undertake additional engineering studies on the Koeberg power station before it can deliberate on its application to extend the long-term operation licence for another 20 years. 

Speaking at a briefing to editors on August 24, 2023, Eskom's senior manager in its outage centre, Thabiso Moirapula, said that Eskom did not know yet if the licence for the 40-year-old plant would be extended before it ran out in July 2024.

The utility has also asked the NNR to split the licence into two and extend it for Unit 2, enabling Eskom to run it for a while longer, and allowing for more flexibility in the refurbishment process.

"We think our application has a prospect of success, although the NNR is not saying when it will decide," he said.

The NNR cancelled a scheduled press briefing on the licence a few weeks ago until further notice, without explanation. 

Moirapula has not elaborated on the concerns of the NNR. Antinuclear activists have repeatedly raised fears over the weathering and erosion of the containment buildings that house the reactors. When the steam generator project is completed, Eskom intends to conduct pressure tests on the buildings, requiring another 200-day outage for each unit.

Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has asked the Eskom board to provide a report on the status of the steam generator project after he said a briefing from Koeberg executives left him "in the dark" about the delays. 

Unit 1 is scheduled to return to service in November. Unit 2 will then be taken off for the SGR and returned by July 2024. Unit 1 will then be taken off again in July 2024 for the 200-day pressure test.

Eskom has reported that the main engineering work on replacing the steam generators in Unit 1 has been completed. 

South Africa will, therefore, be without one unit of Koeberg for an extended period. Any delays to the programme will result in both units being down at the same time. 

Key Contracts, Suppliers, and Consultants
Framatome (main SGR contractor); General Electric (modifications to the balance of plant or secondary turbine system); and Jacobs Engineering (balance of plant hardware changes).

Contact Details for Project Information
Eskom media desk, email mediadesk@eskom.co.za.