Koeberg Unit 1 back at 70 percent after unusual marine buildup disrupts cooling system

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in the Western Cape

Power utility Eskom has announced that Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Unit 1 has increased its power output to 70%, after generation was reduced to 50% as a safety precaution.

The utility said the increase follows the automatic shutdown of a cooling pump caused by a buildup of marine material in the seawater intake area.

"Eskom has safely increased generation at Koeberg Unit 1 to 70%, after previously reducing output to 50% as a routine safety precaution. This controlled adjustment followed the automatic shutdown of a cooling pump due to a buildup of marine material in the seawater intake area," Eskom said.

IOL previously reported that power utility Eskom had reduced power generation at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Unit 1 to 50% after a cooling pump automatically shut down due to a buildup of marine material at the seawater intake.