Eskom said that it is expected that the steam generator would reach the power station on the West Coast by the end of the weekend.

"The last steam generator needed for the Unit 2 outage, which starts in October 2023, is currently in transit to the Koeberg site. It is expected that it will be on-site by the end of the weekend," Eskom said.

Unit 1 is currently undergoing a scheduled outage for maintenance, refueling and the replacement of its steam generators. The three steam generators required for Unit 1 have been on site for a few months and have been prepared for installation.

The outage at Unit 1 is expected to last just over 180 days, or about six months.

ALSO READ: Eskom holds off shutting down Koeberg to stabilise grid

Koeberg will reach the end of its design life in 2024, but Eskom has applied to the National Nuclear Regulator to extend the life of the plant by another 20 years. To keep the power station operable, certain modifications and safety requirements need to be in place. This includes the replacement of six steam generators.

Earlier this year, the steam generator replacement at Unit 2 was deferred because the facilities were not ready to carry out the programme.

There were concerns that the steam generator replacement programme at Unit 1 would similarly be delayed. But Eskom has assured that facilities are ready and that programmes are on schedule "at present".

By September, five steam generators had already been delivered to South Africa.

Chief operations officer Jan Oberholzer also indicated that a steam generator meant for Unit 2 was identified as being fitted to Unit 1.

Earlier this month, Eskom briefly delayed the scheduled outage of Unit 1 to 10 December for the grid to stabilise amid Stage 6 load shedding.

Both units at Koeberg have a capacity of 920MW. 

News24