France’s Areva to Refit South African Nuclear Plant

{{ France’s Areva won a contract to replace six steam generators at South Africa’s Koeberg nuclear power plant, state utility Eskom said on Saturday.}}

The refit is part of a programme to install up to 9,600 megawatts of new nuclear power by 2030, as Africa’s largest economy tries to overcome chronic electricity shortages and slow greenhouse gas emissions.

The vast majority of South Africa’s electricity is generated from coal and the government is struggling to ensure that supply stays a step ahead of growing demand.

The new generators would be installed in 2018, Eskom said. Situated close to Cape Town, the French-built 1,800 MW Koeberg is the only nuclear power station in Africa and its two reactors provide around 5 percent of South Africa’s power.

Financial details of the refit were not disclosed.