Johnathan Paoli
Eskom has said that it expects a boost of 1860 MW to electricity output when the two units at Koeberg Power Station return to commercial availability in the first week of November this year.
This follows on the recent replacement of steam generators, the power utility said on Friday.
Units 1 and 2 of the power station have been offline for a planned refueling and maintenance outage since late last year.
Following on the replacement of the refueling water storage tanks and reactor vessel closure heads in units 1 and 2 in previous years, the replacement of steam generators signals the concluding phase of the Long-Term Operation (LTO) project at the power station, which is aimed at improving production and add an additional 27MW to the output.
“The replacement of the steam generators is the last of the large components that Eskom deemed necessary to be replaced in support of its application to operate the Koeberg units for another 20 years,” the power utility said.
Eskom said the recent upgrade is in line with its decision of extending its license to operate for a further 20 years by applying to the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR).
“The amendment of the operating license will enable Koeberg to continue providing safe, clean, and reliable power to the grid, and playing the essential role of stabilising supply in the Western Cape,” Eskom said.
Despite the delay in returning the units to service, the utility expressed optimism at the path going forward.
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