By: African Business insider

A Milestone for South Africa's Energy Security

South Africa’s Koeberg nuclear power plant, the continent’s only operational facility of its kind, has secured a 20-year operating license extension for its second unit, ensuring its continued supply of reliable, clean power well into 2045 This decision by the country’s nuclear regulator follows a similar license extension for Unit 1 last year, solidifying the future of this critical national asset and guaranteeing that Africa's sole nuclear power plant will continue to be a key electricity provider for the next two decades, supporting the nation's energy needs well into the mid-2040s.

A Rigorous Path to License Renewal

The National Nuclear Regulator confirmed that the license approval was granted only after a thorough and rigorous safety assessment which verified that all regulatory requirements for long-term operation had been met for Unit 2 Located near Cape Town and built during the 1980s, the Koeberg plant has long served as a cornerstone of South Africa’s energy system, providing dependable baseload power that is essential for grid stability and mitigating the recurring power cuts that have hampered the country's economic growth.

Supporting National Energy Goals

With both units now licensed for extended operation, the plant will continue to supply approximately 1,860 megawatts of clean and affordable power This output is a vital component in achieving the objectives outlined in South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan and supports the country's just energy transition Eskom, the state-owned power utility that operates Koeberg, pursued the license extensions as a central part of its broader strategy to address the nation's energy crisis and ensure a stable electricity supply for future development and economic activity.

A Model of Operational Excellence

Eskom’s Group CEO, Dan Marokane, emphasized the plant’s national significance, stating that Koeberg’s 40-year milestone is a proud moment for South Africa and proof of the country's ability to operate complex infrastructure safely and sustainably He affirmed that with both units licensed for another two decades, Koeberg remains a cornerstone of the nation's energy security and a key contributor to the clean energy transition Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom’s Group Executive for Generation, further highlighted the critical role of the plant's employees, whose dedication and professionalism have been the driving force behind Koeberg's safe and reliable operations over the past four decades.

Nuclear Power in Africa's Future

Koeberg’s success and extended lifespan come at a time when other African nations are increasingly exploring nuclear power to meet their rising energy demands, often pursuing these ambitions with significant foreign involvement and partnership Russia, through its state-backed corporation Rosatom, has emerged as a key player in this space, providing funding, technology, and expertise to countries including Egypt and Nigeria, where projects like the El Dabaa power plant are underway As the continent seeks to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, Koeberg stands as a prominent model of operational excellence, demonstrating how nuclear power, supported by skilled local management and strategic international cooperation, can significantly bolster energy security across Africa.