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 plant (NPP) have been in operation since 1984 and 1985 respectively. The aim of the project is to extend the design life of the NPP 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.
• 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
The cost of the project is estimated at R25-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
Eskom successfully synchronised Unit 2 of the Koeberg NPP with the national grid on December 31, 2024.

This achievement follows an extensive long-term operation (LTO) programme designed to extend Unit 2’s operational life span by an additional 20 years.

The maintenance programme included the replacement of three steam generators, comprehensive inspections and refuelling activities to ensure the reactor’s continued safe and efficient performance. 

The National Nuclear Regulator is expected to decide on the extension of Unit 2’s operational licence this year. This comes after the successful renewal of Unit 1’s licence, which extends its operation until 2044. 

Eskom anticipates that Koeberg’s enhanced performance will be fully realised in  the 2026 financial year, with Unit 2’s record of 498 consecutive days of operation and a 93% energy availability factor serving as a benchmark for future reliability.

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.