Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Unit 2 has successfully passed the Integrated Leak Rate Test, confirming the structural integrity and leak-tightness of the containment building, one of the station’s most critical nuclear safety barriers designed to prevent the uncontrolled release of radioactive material in the highly unlikely event of a nuclear accident.
Independent analysis by an internationally recognised utility confirmed that Unit 2 met all required acceptance criteria, validating the continued integrity and performance of the containment structure.
The Integrated Leak Rate Test (ILRT) is conducted every ten years as part of Koeberg’s ongoing mandatory licensing requirements.
The ILRT is a mandatory regulatory test.
“Our world-class, highly skilled nuclear teams at Koeberg continue to meet the rigorous global standards and schedules demanded for the safe ongoing operation of Koeberg. The station plays a central role to the economy of both the Western Cape and South Africa, as well for the energy security of the country, through delivering some of the lowest cost per unit of energy across our fleet,” said Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom Group Executive, Generation.
The successful outcome represents an important step in Koeberg’s long-term operating strategy following the National Nuclear Regulator’s approval of a 20-year operating licence extension. It further demonstrates Eskom’s continued investment in maintaining world-class safety standards, operational excellence and the reliable supply of clean baseload electricity to the national grid.
Key Highlights
- Strategic milestone: Supports Koeberg’s long-term safe operation under its 20-year operating licence extension.
- Independent verification: Internationally recognised nuclear experts confirmed compliance with all acceptance criteria.
- Safety assurance: Validates the integrity and leak-tightness of a critical nuclear safety barrier.
- Proven performance: Builds on the successful completion of the same test on Unit 1 in July 2025, which continues to operate safely and reliably.
The successful completion of the Integrated Leak Rate Test provides further assurance that Koeberg’s containment infrastructure continues to perform as designed. This achievement reinforces Eskom’s confidence in the long-term safe operation of the station and its continued contribution to South Africa’s energy security and economic growth.
With this milestone achieved, Unit 2’s outage and maintenance activities will continue as planned, ahead of the unit’s return to service.
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Fast growing economy: Harvard’s Centre for International Development (CID) has estimated that the three fastest-growing economies until 2026 will be India, Uganda, and Egypt, growing at 7.89%, 7.46%, and 6.63% respectively. South Africa is projected to grow at 4.9% annually until 2026. This is an indication that the socio-political sphere will eventually stabilise and thus there is no reason to fear to have to start a new business.