KOEBERG NUCLEAR POWER STATION...operated by the electricity utility, Eskom, is the only nuclear plant in Africa. Based on the pressurised water reactor (PWR) design, construction began in 1976 and Koeberg I came on stream in 1984. Koeberg II was synchronised to the electricity grid the following year, and the two reactors can generate a maximum of 1 840 MW. Koeberg’s most conspicuous features are the two dome-shaped structures housing the nuclear reactors.
The reactors, which use enriched uranium dioxide for fuel, heat pressurised water; in a separate system, the water is transformed into steam, which drives the turbines in each unit. The turbines in turn drive the two generators with an output of 921 MW each. An area of 3 000 ha to the north of the power station has been set aside as the Koeberg Nature Reserve to protect the strandveld flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the reserve via one of three day-walks. |