Koeberg Unit 2 Licence Extension Secures South Africa’s Energy Future
The extension of the operating licence for Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 2 marks a pivotal advancement in South Africa’s energy strategy. The renewed licence allows Unit 2 to operate safely for an additional 20 years, ensuring power generation until 2044.
This decision strengthens the nation’s energy security and supports its decarbonisation objectives. It aligns with the Just Energy Transition (JET) Plan and the forthcoming Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2025), both of which identify nuclear power as a cornerstone in creating a balanced, low-carbon electricity mix.
“The continued operation of Koeberg provides a skills, technology, and infrastructure bridge to the next phase of South Africa’s nuclear expansion.”
The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) confirmed that Unit 2 satisfied all technical, safety, and regulatory conditions required for licence renewal. The thorough evaluation followed International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Standards and global best practices.
In a recent discussion, Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl spoke with Necsa Group CEO Loyiso Tyabashe about the role of nuclear power in South Africa’s future energy landscape and how this decision reinforces long-term stability while renewable energy capacity continues to grow.
Author’s Summary
The 20-year licence extension for Koeberg Unit 2 secures South Africa’s low-carbon energy future, bridging current capacity with the next phase of nuclear and renewable integration.