Koeberg Unit 2 Passes Containment Leak Test
The Integrated Leak Rate Test confirms the Unit 2 containment building is leak-tight, as Koeberg's operating licence is extended by 20 years.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Nuclear
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Eskom confirmed that Koeberg Unit 2 passed the Integrated Leak Rate Test, confirming the leak-tightness of its containment building. The National Nuclear Regulator has also approved a 20-year licence extension for the Koeberg nuclear power station.
Why it matters
The test is a mandatory regulatory requirement under Koeberg's licensing conditions, and passing it supports the station's continued safe operation. Koeberg is a significant source of electricity for South Africa's national grid and the Western Cape economy.
The Integrated Leak Rate Test is a mandatory test conducted every ten years, and an internationally recognised utility independently found that Unit 2 met all acceptance criteria. Unit 1 completed the same test in July 2025 and continues to operate, while the specific measured leak rates for Unit 2 have not been published in the source.
The players
Eskom
Eskom is South Africa's state-owned electricity utility, which operates the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station on the Western Cape coast.
National Nuclear Regulator
The National Nuclear Regulator is South Africa's statutory body responsible for licensing and regulating nuclear facilities and activities.
The details
An internationally recognised utility independently analysed the Unit 2 test results and found the containment building met all required criteria. Unit 2's outage and maintenance activities will continue as planned ahead of its return to service.
Timeline
July 2025: Unit 1 completes the same Integrated Leak Rate Test.
10 November 2026: Unit 2 passes the containment leak rate test, as reported.
Unit 2 is scheduled to return to service following outage and maintenance activities.
Big Picture
The result is a required milestone under the National Nuclear Regulator's licensing framework for Koeberg, following the same test Unit 1 passed in July 2025. The 20-year licence extension continues the station's operation under that regulatory oversight.
Koeberg supplies electricity to the national grid, so its continued safe operation supports power supply reliability for households and businesses. The licence extension gives the station a longer operating horizon, which affects long-term energy planning for the Western Cape and the country.
The takeaway
Koeberg's passing of mandated containment tests and its licence extension indicate that its safety oversight is continuing on schedule. Readers can follow the scheduled return of Unit 2 to service as the next confirmed milestone.
Further reading
For more on the country's nuclear programme, see our Nuclear coverage.
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