Koeberg Unit 2 licence extension secures SA’s energy future

Koeberg Unit 2 Licence Extension Secures South Africa’s Energy Future

The extension of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 2’s operating licence by 20 years ensures its safe operation until 2044, strengthening South Africa’s energy security and supporting decarbonisation goals.

Bridging Skills, Technology, and Infrastructure

The continued operation of Koeberg acts as a vital bridge in skills, technology, and infrastructure to support the next phase of South Africa’s nuclear expansion.

Supporting National Energy Plans

This licence renewal aligns with the country’s Just Energy Transition (JET) Plan and the upcoming Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2025), both of which identify nuclear power as a key component in creating a balanced, low-carbon electricity system.

Expert Insights

In a podcast, Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl interviews Loyiso Tyabashe, CEO of Necsa Group, sharing perspectives on the role and future of nuclear energy in South Africa.

Regulatory Approval and Safety Assurance

The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) confirmed that Koeberg Unit 2 fulfilled all technical, safety, and regulatory standards for licence renewal, following an extensive review based on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Standards and global best practices.

"The decision guarantees that South Africa will maintain access to clean, reliable baseload power during the transition period as renewable energy capacity continues to expand."

Summary

The licence renewal of Koeberg Unit 2 secures South Africa's access to stable, low-carbon nuclear power, supporting energy transition plans and enabling growth in clean energy infrastructure.

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ESI Africa ESI Africa — 2025-11-07