15 July National Nuclear Regulator announces extension of Koeberg Unit 1 for 20 years.
The new Government of National Unity (GNU) brought about changes to the Cabinet Ministers in June 2024. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy was split in two. Minister Mantashe only keeping control of mining and hydrocarbons, while the ANC’s Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, previously the electricity minister, now be in charge of setting energy policy with a wider mandate as the Minster of Electricity and Energy.
On the 15th July, the NNR announced the granting of the licence to Eskom for Koeberg unit 1 to operate for an additional 20 years. This licence has 29 conditions attached to it. The licence of unit 2 is still valid until 2025.
The decision was made just seven days before the licence expired and civil society organisations are in uproar about what they regard as a rushed and ill-considered decision.
“The decision taken by the NNR to extend unit one’s licence for 20 years, has raised significant concerns, particularly in light of the unresolved safety concerns,” said Lydia Petersen. “This begs the question: does this extension prioritise the so-called “reliable and sustainable energy supply” over the safety of surrounding communities and the environment? As key safety concerns remain, the extension decision underscores the need for transparent oversight by the NNR to ensure that safety is not compromised and the communities of Cape Town are not at risk of an accident at this ageing plant, followed by an ineffective attempt at evacuation.”
