Eskom has confirmed that Unit 1 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in Cape Town will be operational again by the end of August. This month was originally scheduled for the 930-megawatt unit to return to service.
The delay is part of the second phase of the plant’s long-term operation extension project. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena explained that additional faults were discovered during routine inspections and maintenance, which led to the revised timeline.
“During scheduled detailed eddy current inspections — a non-destructive testing method used to detect cracks, corrosion, or wear in the metal tubes of steam generators — defects were identified on four tubes among several thousand tubes inspected, across two of the newly installed generators. Eskom immediately carried out an advanced automated process to address the four tube defects, supported by specialised international teams working alongside local experts. These critical repairs have now been successfully completed,” she added.
Despite the setback, Mokwena reassured the public that the delay will not increase the risk of load-shedding, as alternative energy planning is already in place.
