Eskom shuts down unit 2 at Koeberg nuclear power station in South Africa

Eskom has suspended operations at unit 2 of the Koeberg nuclear power station in South Africa following an incident during maintenance work. This decision comes amidst the country's complex energy capacity management.

Partagez:

Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity company, has announced the temporary shutdown of unit 2 at the Koeberg nuclear power station, located in the southern part of the country. This decision follows an accidental trigger of the reactor during maintenance work on unit 1, which is currently offline as part of its Long Term Operation (LTO) programme. Eskom clarified that this measure was taken to ensure the safety and stability of the nuclear site.

Temporary shutdown with no impact on load-shedding

Despite the shutdown of unit 2, the company assured that this interruption would not lead to load-shedding, which had been suspended after level 6 load-shedding was implemented the previous week. The country’s electricity production capacity remains limited, partly due to ongoing maintenance operations. Eskom indicated that average production reached 7,032 MW in February 2025, well below the country’s energy needs.

Unit 2 disconnected from the grid

Koeberg is the only nuclear power station operating in Africa, contributing 5% to South Africa’s energy mix. However, the station has not been running at full capacity since unit 1 went into maintenance. The shutdown of unit 2 means that Koeberg is currently disconnected from the national grid, at least temporarily. This situation exacerbates the challenges of managing energy infrastructure in South Africa, particularly with the rising number of load-shedding events.

Extension prospects and nuclear development

The Koeberg-2 reactor, whose operating license expires in November 2025, is also subject to discussions regarding an extension of its operation beyond this deadline. A final decision by the national nuclear regulator (NRR) is expected this year. Meanwhile, the South African government plans to increase the country’s nuclear capacity to 21,000 MW by 2050.

NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.
Confidential reports from the IAEA and multiple intelligence agencies confirm Iran's uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels, contradicting Tehran's official statements. EnergyNews.pro retraces the evolution of Iran's nuclear program since 2015, three years before the Trump administration's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement.
Uranium spot price hits its highest level of 2025 following a significant fundraising announcement by a specialized Canadian investment fund, prompting vigorous trading and strong reactions in the international market.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced being close to an intergovernmental agreement with Washington for Westinghouse to build a 1,250-megawatt nuclear reactor at the Jaslovske Bohunice site.