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Pukchang power station1,600 MW Coal

Coal

The Pukchang Power Station serves as a key component of North Korea's energy infrastructure, featuring a substantial coal-fired generation capacity of 1600 MW. Operated by the Pukchang Thermal Plant Complex, this facility is pivotal in supporting the country's energy needs, especially as it navigates the complexities of energy production amid various challenges. Located at coordinates 39.5858, 126.3043, the power plant is strategically sited to maximise its reach within the national grid, providing essential electricity to industries and urban centres. The use of coal as the primary fuel type underscores the country’s reliance on this resource for energy generation, despite global trends toward cleaner energy sources. The operational context of Pukchang reflects North Korea's energy policy, which prioritises domestic coal production to ensure energy self-sufficiency. As the nation continues to develop its power generation capabilities, the Pukchang Power Station remains a critical asset, embodying the challenges and priorities of the country’s energy strategy.

Capacity
1,600 MW

1.60 GW

Commissioning Year
1976

50 years old

Owner
Pukchang Thermal Plant Complex
Location
39.5858°, 126.3043°

North Korea, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 39.585800, 126.304300
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
6.32 Mt
7709 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
316.06 Mt
Over 50 years of operation
Past Retirement
2016
10 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.4M
cars per year
842.8K
homes per year
287.3M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Coal emission factor (820 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (55%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Coal
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
North Korea
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

North KoreaEnergy Profile

31
Total Stations
9.2 GW
Total Capacity
CoalHydro
Top Fuels

Coal as a Power Generation Energy Source: An Overview

Coal has been a cornerstone of electricity generation for over a century, accounting for a significant share of global energy production. As of now, there are approximately 2,608 coal power plants worldwide, distributed across 74 countries, with a total installed capacity of around 2,257.3 gigawatts (GW). The leading countries in coal power generation include China, which operates 1,018 plants with a capacity of 1,038.0 GW, followed by India with 287 plants at 253.3 GW, and the United States with 291 plants at 252.0 GW. Other notable contributors include Germany and Japan, which have 130 and 61 plants, respectively, with capacities of 76.8 GW and 63.9 GW.

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