The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded its review of the long-term operational safety of the Koeberg nuclear power plant, concluding the facility has effectively addressed most of the concerns raised in a previous assessment.

Requested by Eskom, the IAEA’s review was conducted by the safety aspects of long-term operation (SALTO) team from September 3-6.

The assessment focused on critical aspects necessary for safe long-term operation (LTO) of Koeberg units 1 and 2. Koeberg Unit 1 received a licence to operate until 2044 in July this year. Eskom plans to extend Unit 2’s operation until 2045.

The mission evaluated Koeberg’s response to recommendations during a previous IAEA SALTO mission in 2022, which followed an initial IAEA pre-SALTO review in 2019. “Based on its efforts, the plant has made significant improvements in ageing management and resolved most of the issues identified in 2022. The plant is on track to complete the remaining items in a reasonable timeframe,” said Bryce Lehman, team leader and IAEA Nuclear Safety Officer.

The review team, consisting of experts from the Czech Republic and Slovenia and two IAEA staff members, noted several key advancements at Koeberg:

• Updated LTO programme: The programme now systematically plans and schedules all LTO activities aligned with safety and operational standards.
• Environmental qualification: Revalidation of qualified cables has been completed to ensure safe performance under specific environmental conditions despite ageing.
• Concrete structures: Revalidation of time-limited ageing analysis for concrete structures, including containment, has been finalised.

However, the team emphasised further work is needed to:

• Ensure full implementation of plant programmes supporting LTO throughout the extended operational period.
• Complete refurbishment and maintain full functionality of the containment monitoring system during the LTO period.

At the end of the mission, a draft report was handed to plant management and the South African National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) with opportunity for factual comments before a final report is submitted to plant management, the NNR and the South African government within three months.

“For us, this is an integral part of the IAEA’s supporting service to ensure safe operation of the Koeberg reactors during the LTO period for the next 20 years. The IAEA SALTO missions and technical cooperation have helped us enhance our focus on safe operation. We will continue to collaborate in the future as part of our drive to continuously improve,” said Keith Featherstone, Chief Nuclear Officer at Eskom.