Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has sought to reassure South Africans following four radioactive contamination incidents at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, saying the events were contained, posed no danger to surrounding communities and did not compromise the country’s only nuclear power facility.
The incidents occurred over several weeks during scheduled maintenance work at Unit 2 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station near Cape Town.
According to Eskom, three contamination events took place on 30 June, 2 July and 7 July while maintenance activities were underway. A fourth incident was recorded on 16 July after a temporary power interruption affected ventilation systems serving maintenance tents inside the reactor containment building.
The loss of ventilation resulted in elevated airborne radioactive contamination inside the containment structure. However, Eskom confirmed that the contamination remained fully contained within the reactor building and that no radioactive material escaped into the environment.
The utility stressed that there was no danger to nearby communities and no environmental contamination.
Workers involved in the maintenance activities were exposed to only minimal levels of radiation. According to Eskom, the doses received were lower than those associated with a routine dental X-ray and comparable to only a few minutes of exposure from everyday mobile phone use.
The incidents have nevertheless renewed public discussion around nuclear safety as South Africa continues to consider expanding its nuclear energy programme.
Minister defends Koeberg’s long-term safety record
Ramokgopa said Koeberg’s operational history demonstrates that the plant remains one of the country’s safest electricity generation facilities.
The station has been producing electricity for more than four decades, and Unit 2 recently received regulatory approval to continue operating for an additional 20 years following extensive safety assessments and refurbishment work.
The minister said the life extension would not have been approved had there been evidence of significant operational safety concerns.
He acknowledged that nuclear energy often raises public concerns because of the potential consequences of major accidents, but argued that Koeberg has maintained a strong safety record throughout its operating life.
Ramokgopa also noted that coal-fired power stations continue to present significant environmental and public health challenges, highlighting the need for South Africa to maintain a diversified electricity generation mix.
Nuclear expansion remains part of South Africa’s energy strategy
Government has identified nuclear energy as an important component of the country’s long-term energy security strategy.
South Africa plans to procure an additional 5.2GW of nuclear generation capacity by 2039 as part of efforts to diversify electricity supply and reduce dependence on ageing coal-fired power stations.
Koeberg currently generates approximately 2GW of electricity, making it one of the country’s largest single sources of reliable baseload power.
Ramokgopa said the station has played a critical role in supporting grid stability and helping reduce load shedding over recent years by providing consistent electricity generation while other power stations experienced operational challenges.
He added that maintaining high nuclear safety standards would remain essential as South Africa moves forward with its long-term energy expansion plans.
Source: Eskom; Ministry of Electricity and Energy