Name of the Project
Koeberg nuclear power station steam-generator replacement project.

Location
Western Cape, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Eskom.

Project Description
The current steam generators in Unit 1 and Unit 2 at the Koeberg nuclear power station have been in operation since 1983/4 and 1984/5 respectively. The aim of the project is to extend the design life of the nuclear power station by 20 years to 2045.

The project involves the replacement of all six steam generators at units 1 and 2.

This will involve the design, manufacture and installation of three steam generators in each of the two operating units, as well as the safety analyses and studies required for the replacement of the six steam generators.

The new generators will incorporate modern design features for easy maintenance and inspections, and improve heat-transfer efficiency, leading to the overall efficiency of the power station.

The installation of the generators will be conducted during the scheduled refuelling, inspections and maintenance outages of the two units at the power station.

The other major components of the life-extension plan include:

• a refuelling water storage tank replacement project, which was completed in 2019;
• the Unit 2 reactor pressure vessel head replacement, for which manufacturing is scheduled for completion in 2021 and the installation thereof for 2022;
• the replacement of feed-train components on the conventional power plant, which is conducted during maintenance outages; and
• the ongoing Koeberg safety aspects of long-term operation assessment, to enable the Koeberg plant to operate beyond the original 40 years life span to at least 60 years.

This safety case will be presented to the National Nuclear Regulator in mid-2022 to allow for approval of the Koeberg plant to enter into long-term operation from mid-2024.

Capital Expenditure
R20-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
Work on replacing the steam generators for the first of Koeberg’s two units is scheduled to start during a planned outage in January 2022, with the overall project taking two years to complete.

Latest Developments
Jacobs has been selected to undertake essential engineering modifications as part of the programme to extend the operating life of the Koeberg nuclear power plant. 

The project is in preparation for the installation of the six replacement steam generators, each about 20 m long and weighing about 380 t.

Jacobs will be responsible for construction management pertaining to modifications to the secondary turbine system. The scope of work includes the prefabrication of piping, pipe supports and modification, and piping replacement; the installation of on-site scaffolding, rigging and lagging; vessel modifications and strengthening; and the replacement of forced air cooler units. 

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Framatome (main contractor) and Jacobs (construction management related to modifications to the secondary turbine system).

Contact Details for Project Information
Eskom media desk, email mediadesk@eskom.co.za.