Koeberg maintenance set to put strain on power system
Two units at the Koeberg nuclear power station in the Western Cape are set to be taken offline for regular maintenance.
In statement released on Saturday, Eskom’s Riedewaan Barkadien said Unit 2 will be taken down on Monday.
“Unit 2 of the Koeberg nuclear power station will on Monday be taken offline for a regular refuelling and maintenance outage that is scheduled for five months.
“This will be the 25th refuelling outage on Unit 2 since commissioning and will also see the replacement of the units three steam generators. During this outage the reactor pressure vessel head, which houses the nuclear fuel while the station is in operation, will also be replaced.”
Barkadien says that the Unit 1 outage will be of a similar duration. It will follow later in the year during which the Unit 1 steam generators will also be replaced.
“The Koeberg units, at 920MW each, are the largest generating units on the African continent. Their safe and reliable operation is a significant contributor to meeting the country’s electricity demand.”
He adds that the outages may be long, but they are needed as it’s the first of its kind for Koeberg station.
“The Koeberg outages are planned at times of the year when the impact on the overall electricity supply is minimised as far as possible.
“This is going to be a long but needed outage but needed outage and is the first of its kind for Koeberg. Our staff are prepared and committed to make history by ensuring success of this project.”
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