Engineers and management at Eskom’s Koeberg Power Station had underestimated the time needed to repair and replace the three steam generators at Unit 1.

Koeberg’s Chief Nuclear Officer, Keith Featherstone, was speaking as the deadline looms on whether the lifespan of Africa’s only nuclear energy plant could be extended.

The repairs come as the country is dealing with an energy crisis.

Featherstone says that there are many companies and contractors involved in the repair of Unit 1.

He says that the delays relate to technical and resourcing issues, including challenges in coordinating operations between subcontractors.

Featherstone says that they are in talks with contractors to ensure that similar delays are not experienced when Unit 2 is taken down for repairs.

Koeberg anticipates bringing Unit 1 back to service by November 3, which will reduce the possibility that both units will be offline at the end of the year.