South Africa announces 20-year extension for Koeberg power plant

The Koeberg nuclear power plant, operated by Eskom, is requesting a 20-year extension to its operating license. Cape Town, which is expanding rapidly, is concerned about the repercussions on urban development and risk management.

Share:

Prolongation Koeberg impacts urbains

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

The request to extend the Koeberg power plant comes at a critical time for Cape Town, a city with a rapidly growing population. For the past twenty years, the city has been working with the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) and Eskom to manage urban development around the plant’s safety zone. The decision to extend Koeberg’s lifespan could put the brakes on real estate projects in strategic northern areas, where new residential complexes are under construction. Nevertheless, the completion of this project marks a true nuclear renaissance in South Africa.

Safety Concerns and Risk Management

The municipal authorities point out that the extension of the Koeberg operation requires a reassessment of risk management plans. Priya Reddy, a spokeswoman for the city, mentioned that vast tracts of land purchased by the city and private investors could remain unused in the event of an extension, limiting the possibilities for urban development.

Regulatory Challenges and Operational Safety

Safety at the Koeberg power plant remains a major concern. A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) identified safety problems, including cracks in the structures housing the reactors. Eskom has assured us that all the problems identified have been resolved. The NNR, aware of the implications of its decision, must weigh up the economic benefits against the potential risks to public safety.

Imminent Decision and Potential Consequences

NNR expects to make its final decision by the end of July or August. If the extension is granted, Cape Town will have to adapt to ensure the safety of its residents while continuing its urban development. The impact on the local economy and real estate projects will depend heavily on this decision.
The Koeberg license extension application highlights the challenges Cape Town faces in balancing urban growth and safety. The NNR’s decision will be decisive for the future of the region, both in terms of economic development and risk management.

The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
Slovenia’s JEK2 project moves forward with two nuclear technologies judged technically compatible, estimated between EUR9.31bn ($10.1bn) and EUR15.37bn ($16.66bn).
US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.
US-based Westinghouse has signed six industrial agreements in the UK to supply critical components for its AP1000 and AP300 nuclear projects in Britain and abroad.
NANO Nuclear Energy receives direct funding from the US Air Force innovation branch to assess the integration of its KRONOS MMRâ„¢ microreactor at the Washington D.C. military base.
EDF extends the operation of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool by one year after favourable safety inspections, ensuring continuity of nuclear production and safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs.
Russian nuclear group Rosatom has confirmed advanced discussions with India and Turkey to launch new power plants, including advanced and floating reactor technologies.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has identified uranium particles of industrial origin in samples taken from a Syrian site suspected of hosting an undeclared nuclear reactor.
Norwegian authorities begin the first regulatory phase for two modular nuclear reactor projects, marking a strategic step in the national review of the potential role of nuclear energy in the country’s power mix.
With eleven reactors under construction and major projects such as Jaitapur, India is preparing a nuclear build-up that could place it among the world’s five leading nations in the sector.
France and Germany have validated a joint energy roadmap, including a commitment to the non-discrimination of nuclear energy in European financing.
Russia and Iran seek to strengthen their nuclear cooperation as the E3 activates the sanctions mechanism against Tehran, reigniting tensions over compliance with the 2015 Vienna agreement.
US-based Natura Resources has secured strategic funding and key permits for its MSR-1 nuclear reactor, backed by public funds and enriched fuel allocation from the Department of Energy.
The United States and South Korea have agreed to initiate discussions on reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, marking a potential strategic shift in the long-standing bilateral agreement.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.