South Africa’s National Nuclear Regulator separates operating timelines of Koeberg Unit 1 and Unit 2

• South Africa’s National Nuclear Regulator has approved the request to separate the operating timelines of the Koeberg Unit 1 and Unit 2.
• After completing its safety assessment, the NNR confirmed that the approval of the separation of the units will not impact the safety of the Koeberg nuclear power station.
• The incumbent government decided to extend the life of the aging plant in a controversial programme which has seen delays, massive cost penalties and overruns. Read more

The Koeberg nuclear power station is operated under the Nuclear Installation Licence, NIL- 01 Variation 19 and associated 29 conditions.

Noting that Koeberg Unit 1 was commissioned for commercial operation in July 1984 while Unit 2 commenced commercial operation in November 1985, this NNR approval authorises the operation of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 until 21 July 2024 and the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 2 until 9 November 2025, in line with the operational design life.

The NNR approval to separate the operating life timelines does not imply that the Long-Term Operation application has been approved by the NNR. They will make this decision later in the year.