The generator of Koeberg Unit 1 was damaged in December 2005, resulting in both the rotor and stator requiring repair. The stator was repaired on site at Koeberg, while a replacement rotor was obtained from the French utility, EdF. The stator rewind and the rotor inspection and testing were completed in the last half of April 2006. The mechanical re-assembly of the generator was completed by the beginning of May. A number of tests including rotor alignment were successfully conducted.
The start-up of the reactor of Koeberg Unit 1 commenced last Thursday 11 May and reached 6% power level the following day, at which stage steam was available for a further round of tests on the repaired generator. In accordance with standard procedures, various parameters were checked during the start up process to ensure they are within specification.
At 14h00, the unit was sending out 270 MW The power level will continue to be increased, and pending all parameters remaining within specification, Koeberg Unit 1 is expected to be operating at full power within the 4th week of May 2006, as indicated in the Integrated Recovery Plan.
Koeberg Unit 2 will be shut down on 22 May as scheduled for its refuelling and maintenance outage. This outage will take place through the rest of May, June and most of July. The projections of electricity demand indicate that a shortfall of up to 400 MW may be experienced in the Western Cape during this period. Demand side management measures such as the issuing of five million Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL's) to the Western Cape and the swapping out of two plate electric stoves for two plate gas stoves, and dynamic market participation programmes are being rolled out to mitigate this shortage. This programme is progressing well and to date minimal load shedding has had to take place.
"I would like to commend the Koeberg staff who worked hard, long hours to ensure the successful return to service of Unit 1" said Mr Thulani Gcabashe, Chief Executive of Eskom.
"I would however urge large, small and individual consumers in the Western Cape to continuing saving electricity as Koeberg's Unit 2 will be shut down on 22 May for its annual refuelling and maintenance outage. The programme to conserve electricity, especially during the peak hours in the morning and evening, continues. We have made good progress thus far to mitigate the risk of load shedding. I would like to thank all the businesses, organisations and individuals who have pledged to help and support us during this time period. Without them this programme would not be successful", said Gcabashe.
For more information, contact:
Fani Zulu
Tel: 011 800 2265
Fax: 011 800 2983
Email: fani.zulu@eskom.co.za
Tel: 011 800 2004
Email: tony.stott@eskom.co.za
