- Koeberg units safely reduced power following a transmission line fault near Stellenbosch.
- Eskom confirms no impact on nuclear safety or national grid stability.
- Both units are online and returning to full output with regulator oversight.
Eskom has confirmed that both units at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station were safely reduced from full power to 100 megawatts each after a fault occurred on the 132 kilovolt transmission lines supplied from the Pinotage transmission substation near Stellenbosch.
According to Eskom, the power reduction was an expected and automatic response designed to protect the power station and the national electricity grid. The utility stressed that the incident did not affect the nuclear reactors and posed no safety risk. The National Nuclear Regulator was formally notified in line with regulatory requirements.
Eskom further assured that there is no risk of load shedding as national generation reserves remain adequate. The National Transmission Company South Africa has approved the gradual increase of power output at Koeberg, allowing both units to ramp up generation.
The utility said Koeberg continues to operate safely and securely, with all operational and regulatory protocols being followed.
Related news: Eskom ordered to pay Framatome close to R1 billion in over Koeberg steam generator contract dispute
In October last year, Eskom reconnected Unit 1 to the national grid, restoring 930 megawatts of capacity. This followed an extended repair outage after a forced shutdown caused by the failure of isolation block valves, which occurred three months after commissioning following the replacement of the steam generators. Fuel loading began in early September 2025, followed by commissioning activities and successful synchronisation to the grid.
The plant has faced scrutiny over the ageing condition of its containment buildings, which have experienced degradation over more than four decades of operation. Read more
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
