Photo by: © Creamer Media
Name of the Project
Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) Steam-Generator Replacement (SGR) Project.
Location
Western Cape, South Africa.
Project Owner/s
Eskom.
Project Description
The current steam generators in Unit 1 and Unit 2 at the Koeberg nuclear power station have been in operation since 1984 and 1985 respectively. The aim of the project is to extend the design life of the nuclear power station by 20 years to 2045.
The project involves the replacement of all six steam generators for units 1 and 2.
The SGR project involves the design, manufacture, and installation of three steam generators in each of the Koeberg power plant's two operating units, as well as safety analyses and studies to comprehensively demonstrate the plant's design integrity, with no adverse impact on public and worker safety and health or the environment, including the enhancement of nuclear safety.
The new generators will incorporate modern design features for easy maintenance and inspections and improve heat-transfer efficiency, leading to an overall efficiency improvement of Koeberg.
The installation of the generators will be conducted during the scheduled refuelling, inspections, and maintenance outages of the two units at Koeberg power station. Eskom is on track and progressing according to plan for installation during the next unit 1 and 2 outages.
The other major components of the life-extension plan include:
- a refuelling water storage tank replacement project, completed in 2019.
- the Unit 2 reactor pressure vessel head replacement, with the installation thereof scheduled for 2022.
- the replacement of feed-train components on the conventional power plant, which is conducted during maintenance outages.
- the ongoing Koeberg safety aspects of long-term operation assessment. The assessment is designed to provide the equipment-ageing management confirmation to enable the Koeberg plant to operate beyond its original life span of 40 years to at least 60 years.
Capital Expenditure
Not stated.
Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.
Latest Developments
Eskom has said the main mechanical work on replacing the steam generators at Koeberg's Unit 1 has been completed and it will return to service on November 3.
Koeberg's Unit 2 will be taken offline on November 7, slightly later than anticipated, to avoid the problem that both units would be offline simultaneously.
In a statement, on August 17, 2023, Eskom said that Unit 1 of the Koeberg NPP reached a significant milestone on July 28, 2023, when the mechanical work of the replacement of the steam generators was completed. This is the most significant part of the scope of work, which involved complex activities, and it means that Eskom is now proceeding with the outage activities that could not be performed in parallel with the replacement of the steam generators. Immediately after the completion of the outage activities, the reactor will be reloaded with fuel, allowing for the return to service of the unit.
There have been numerous delays to the project to replace the steam generators on Unit 1. Eskom says it has now mitigated that risk.
While the risk of both units being simultaneously offline looks less likely to materialise now, Eskom announced that, after the return of Unit 2 to generation, it must take Unit 1 out again for a 200-day outage to test and repair the containment buildings of the reactor, if necessary, following exposure to weather and seawater. The same is likely to be required for Unit 2.
This means South Africa will continue to operate with only one unit at a time well into 2025.
Key Contracts, Suppliers, and Consultants
Framatome (main SGR contractor); General Electric (modifications to the balance of plant or secondary turbine system); and Jacobs Engineering (balance of plant hardware changes).
Contact Details for Project Information
Eskom media desk, email mediadesk@eskom.co.za.