The only nuclear power station on the African continent has a history of sabotage

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Located 30 km from Cape Town, the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station is a unique landmark of African energy. While it provides critical power to the national grid, its history includes a daring 1982 bombing, technical failures, and a complex, decades-long effort to maintain its aging infrastructure for the future.

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, owned by the state utility Eskom, remains the only nuclear facility on the African continent. Designed by the French company Framatome, the plant utilizes two pressurised water reactors. Construction began in 1976, but the project faced significant geopolitical hurdles, including a US-led blockade on fuel rod exports during the Carter administration. The facility was eventually completed using enriched uranium from European suppliers.

The station's history is marked by a notable act of sabotage. In December 1982, Rodney Wilkinson, an engineer with access to the site, detonated four thermite-packed limpet mines. The attack, claimed by the ANC's armed wing, occurred before any uranium fuel was loaded, ensuring no radiological release or casualties. Despite the lack of immediate danger, the bombing delayed the plant's commissioning by 18 months and caused damage estimated at $519 million at the time, equivalent to roughly $1.73 billion in 2026 dollars.

Safety and operational longevity are central to Koeberg's narrative. Originally designed to withstand a magnitude 7 earthquake, the plant underwent further stress tests in 2013 to meet modern 0.5g ZPGA standards. However, the station has faced technical challenges, including a 2005 incident where a loose bolt damaged a generator, leading to widespread load shedding. More recently, the facility has grappled with the loss of skilled personnel, which has complicated a multi-billion rand life-extension project.

Today, Koeberg is surrounded by the 22 km2 Koeberg Nature Reserve, a buffer zone that hosts diverse bird and mammal species. While environmental groups like Earthlife Africa and Koeberg Alert remain critical of nuclear energy, the South African government has committed to the plant's future. Following a 20-year extension granted for Unit 2 in 2025, the facility is now slated to continue operations until 2045, serving as a cornerstone of the nation's energy strategy.

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