- Unit 2 records 365 days of continuous operation at 99.4% EAF.
- Reactor delivers 946 MW of reliable power to South Africa’s grid.
- Performance underscores reliability gains following life extension upgrades.
South Africa’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 2 has achieved a full year of continuous operation following the completion of major upgrades, delivering 365 consecutive days of generation at an average 99.4% Energy Availability Factor (EAF).
State utility Eskom confirmed that as of 9 March 2026 the unit had operated continuously for one year, providing around 946 MW of reliable electricity to the national grid.
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The milestone follows the return of Unit 2 to service on 30 December 2024 after a major refurbishment programme that included the installation of new steam generators. The unit has operated without interruption since 9 March 2025.
Eskom Group Executive for Generation Bheki Nxumalo said the achievement demonstrates the depth of South Africa’s nuclear expertise and the capability of the teams responsible for the upgrades.
“This milestone showcases the strength of South Africa’s nuclear skills base. The successful installation of the new steam generators highlights the skill and dedication of the Koeberg team, engineers, technicians, operators and support staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure the unit runs safely and efficiently,” he said.
Related news: Koeberg Unit 2 trips during the execution of work on Unit 1
The previous performance record for Unit 2 was achieved in January 2022 when the reactor ran for 454 consecutive days. The current operating run will not exceed that record because the unit is scheduled for a planned maintenance outage on 26 April 2026. By that point the unit is projected to reach about 412 consecutive days of operation.
Koeberg remains a critical source of electricity for the Western Cape, particularly for Cape Town, where it provides locally generated power and reduces reliance on long transmission lines from coal fired power stations in the north of the country. This contributes to improved grid stability and a more reliable supply for businesses and households.
Related news: Concerns have been raised over the ageing containment buildings at Koeberg which have degraded over the last 40 years.
At a national level the nuclear facility also provides a stable baseload anchor for the grid while generating electricity without greenhouse gas emissions, supporting South Africa’s efforts to balance energy security with environmental considerations.
Unit 2 is expected to enter its next planned outage on 26 April 2026 as part of ongoing maintenance to protect recent investments and ensure reliable operation over the next two decades – Eskom concludes.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
