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Eskom said Unit 1 at the Koeberg nuclear power station in Cape Town has been taken offline for repairs, routine maintenance, and refuelling.
The power utility said this followed an “increasing leak rate” being observed on one of three steam generators in Unit 1 on Sunday.
“This was confirmed by other plant measurement readings. Although the leak rate was well within the safety limits, a conservative decision was made to take Koeberg Unit 1 offline for repairs,” said spokesperson, Nkosinathi Mantshantsha.
He said during this period the unit would also undergo its routine maintenance and refuelling, which was originally scheduled to start during February.
“The unit is expected to return to service during May 2021,” Mantshantsha said.
Mantshantsha said shutting down the plant would take several hours, adding that there was no risk to the plant, personnel, or the environment.
He said Koeberg’s Unit 2 continues to operate and generate full power.
