Koeberg nuclear plant

The Challenge

Help South Africa’s nuclear operator, Eskom, extend the operational duration of the Koeberg nuclear power plant by 20 years, as mandated by the government in 2019. This extension is crucial for ensuring the reliability of energy supply amidst the nation’s ongoing shift away from fossil fuels.

The Solution

• Defining specifications for the replacement of the steam generators for both units and delivering Owner’s Engineering support services for the project.
• Conducting quality inspections during the manufacturing of the reactor pressure vessel head, which was successfully installed in 2022.
• Reviewing and updating the secondary heat balance validation tool and the plant thermodynamic model under a 2022 contract.
• Collaborating with sub-contractor Curtiss-Wright to update and integrate the latest plant modifications, such as the replacement of the steam generators, into the model.
• Performing studies to support the update of regulatory documents for the Long-Term Operation (LTO) project.
• Conducting an aseismic bearings study to reinforce plant safety.

The Impact

Tractebel’s ongoing support is vital in the context of South Africa’s energy landscape. Nuclear energy currently provides approximately 6% of the country’s total electricity output. With the government prioritising a reduction in fossil fuel reliance, extending Koeberg’s operational life by 20 years is a significant step toward decarbonisation and energy security. Additionally, the South African government is exploring the development of 2.5 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2030.