State-owned Eskom is embarking on a multibillion-rand project to replace six steam generators at the Koeberg nuclear power station, in the Western Cape, during 2016 and 2017.

As part of its ongoing maintenance and refurbishment plans, the power utility issued an expression-of-interest tender to identify suppliers able to design, manufacture and install three steam generators in each of Koeberg’s two units.

The supplier would also be required to undertake any safety analyses and studies required to replace the generators.

The installation of the generators would be undertaken during scheduled refuelling, inspection and maintenance outages of the two units at Koeberg.

The dates of the anticipated outages were dependent on the requirements of Koeberg and the electricity supply system, as well as the commercial negotiations with chosen suppliers, the utility added.

Eskom noted that the current steam generators in Unit 1 and 2 have been in operation since 1983/84 and 1984/85, respectively.

The utility told Engineering News Online that the new generators would incorporate modern design features that would allow ease of maintenance and inspections and improve heat-transfer efficiency, leading to the overall efficiency of the Koeberg power station.

Eskom, which was currently inviting expression of interests until August 3, aimed to issue the design and manufacture tenders by August and award the contract early in 2013, dependent on contract negotiations.

Eskom said the outcome of a “commercial process”, currently being undertaken, would determine the total cost for the project.

Further, in efforts to facilitate localisation and skills transfer, as well as allow understanding of the scope of the replacement project, Eskom aimed to host a workshop during the tender process, facilitating the interaction of local companies interested in entering the nuclear sector and potential Eskom suppliers that meet the project criteria.

South Africa plans to increase its nuclear capacity and has said that localization will be a key part of any contracts to be awarded.
 

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