SAFCEI appeals nuclear license extension for Koeberg Power Station

Unit 1 at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station (KNPS) has been on an “unexpected shutdown” since 11 September, coinciding with an appeal submitted by the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) against the National Nuclear Regulator’s (NNR) decision to extend the operational life of the Unit at KNPS by an additional 20 years. SAFCEI contends that the extension of life decision is fatally flawed, citing the NNR’s failure to perform its oversight role properly with regard to significant safety risks, and Eskom’s egregious delays in performing maintenance that is critical to safety.

SAFCEI’s Executive Director, Francesca de Gasparis, said that the NNR’s decision to allow the long-term extension of life of the reactor was concerning, particularly given signs of significant safety issues found by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Koeberg’s reactors. “The deteriorated state of the nuclear reactors is alarming. Both Unit 1 and Unit 2 have well-documented structural issues,” says de Gasparis.

Koeberg’s Unit 1 has been approved for a further 20 years, despite the fact that Eskom has been aware since 2015 that critical repairs to the concrete in the containment buildings are required, due to reinforcing steel that is being corroded, according to Eskom engineers as well as the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA). Despite being described as being in an “advanced state” of disrepair and requiring immediate attention ten years ago by an independent panel appointed by Eskom, the installation of impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) – the only effective solution – was not done prior to the license being granted.

The NNR in its conditions for the licence stated that ICCP installation must happen by 2025.  However, given Eskom’s track record of delays, and for the protection of public safety, SAFCEI argues that the extension of life licence should be set aside and not considered again until these serious safety issues are addressed, including that the ICCP system is fully installed and functional. "The lack of a functional monitoring system at Koeberg also represents a serious concern for public safety. Eskom has had nearly a decade to fix the containment structure, yet they have continuously postponed action. We demand that any major safety concerns identified by IAEA be fully completed before any further extension is considered,” de Gasparis insists.

SAFCEI’s Campaigns Coordinator, Maia Nangle explains, “A non-functional monitoring system means that in the event of an emergency or an accident where pressure is building up inside the reactor, operators may not have accurate information on pressure and other vital factors inside the containment building.  This was confirmed by the IAEA in its report on readiness of the reactor for long term operation in 2022. This will be the case for at least another five years until the fully functional monitoring system is planned to be installed in 2029, on a date to be decided by Eskom.  The NNR’s decision to grant a licence extension without first ensuring this system is operational is beyond comprehension.”

A decision on Koeberg’s Unit 2 is expected to be given by the NNR in November 2025. Reports indicate that Unit 2 is likely to only receive an eight-year extension due to its more seriously compromised structural integrity.

“The eight-year limit on Unit 2 is a stark reminder of the risks we are facing,” de Gasparis adds. “If these containment structures fail, Cape Town could suffer catastrophic radioactive contamination. We believe that Eskom and Koeberg have downplayed the risks by not acting timeously on the identified containment structure and monitoring issues. The world has already witnessed the disastrous consequences of nuclear failures at Fukushima and Chernobyl. In South Africa, it is the 4.97M population of Cape Town and the West Coast who are most at risk.”

SAFCEI highlights that, even in the absence of accidents, the unresolved issue of safely storing the additional highly toxic radioactive waste in Northern Cape and onsite remains a serious concern. The organisation advocates for the rapid transition to renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and battery storage, which provide a safer, more sustainable path forward. Renewables can be quickly deployed and scaled, creating local jobs, reducing energy costs, and empowering communities to meet their own energy needs. Moreover, renewable energy emits no greenhouse gases and does not produce dangerous waste.

Liziwe McDaid and Makoma Lekalakala, the Goldman Environmental Prize, Africa recipients in 2018 for mobilising the country against an unconstitutional nuclear deal that could have bankrupted the country – have endorsed SAFCEI’s appeal.

Director at Earthlife Africa Johannesburg, Lekalakala says, “From the two well-known disasters, we know the dangers of ignoring safety concerns when it comes to nuclear power. Without proper oversight and accountability, the safety of communities around Koeberg is at serious risk. This is a key reason that public concerns must be heeded because millions of lives are potentially being exposed to unacceptable risks. Another major concern is the costs associated. How much will be needed to ensure that all the safety recommendations are met? And what still about the further costs of disposing of highly toxic waste and ensuring that communities who live near these facilities are not only protected but also educated about the risks they are dealing with. We believe this money would be better spent on a just transition to renewable energy.”

According to McDaid, who now fights for energy justice with The Green Connection, "extending Koeberg’s lifespan is a reckless gamble with public safety. And the situation becomes even more precarious when we consider the census debacle, which revealed that current population and demographic data is extremely unreliable. South Africa deserves better options than aging, unsafe nuclear reactors when renewable energy offers a cleaner, safer alternative. Our communities have fought and won before—like in 2017 when we mobilised against the unconstitutional nuclear deal. It is time for our leaders to listen to the will of the people and prioritize sustainable, long-term energy solutions."