Eskom reassures South Africans

Eskom reassures South AfricansKoeberg not affected by Areva probe South Africa''s Areva-built Koeberg nuclear power station has been deemed safe following a probe into irregularities found during a quality-control check in France. Eskom says its Koeberg nuclear power station will not be affected by the Areva probe into the irregularities in quality control at its forge in Le Creusot as it uncovered new anomalies in manufacturing records.

“Koeberg was French built and therefore has access to additional detail and intellectual property from French power utility, EDF and its main supplier, Areva,” explained Sedick Davis, Eskom''s general manager for nuclear projects.

“A structured process of sharing operational experience over two decades means that any problem that occurs at EDF automatically includes Koeberg in the understanding of common causes and the extent of the issue,” he said in a statement on Tuesday. “Information was shared in a transparent manner.”

“Eskom used the technical detail provided to analyse its existing components as well as those currently being manufactured for upgrades or maintenance,” he said.

“The conclusion is that the Koeberg plant is not affected by the historical manufacturing anomalies that require additional inspections and verification.”

“The Eskom analysis and treatment of this matter is subject to national and international scrutiny by all stakeholders, thereby giving assurance to the South African public that the Koeberg plant remains safe.”

FIN24