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Garorim Bay Tidal Power Station

Wave and Tidal

The Garorim Bay Tidal Power Station is a key infrastructure asset in South Korea's power generation grid, located on the continent of Asia. Designated as a renewable electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 0 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing wave and tidal energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2011, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within South Korea, Garorim Bay Tidal Power Station occupies the #4 position among all operational wave and tidal power plants. Its 0 MW capacity represents a 0.00% share of South Korea's total installed wave and tidal generating capacity, which currently stands at 762 MW. The largest operational wave and tidal installation in South Korea is the Siwha Lake Tidal Power Station with an output of 254 MW, making the Garorim Bay Tidal Power Station approximately 1.0 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.0000% of South Korea's aggregate generation capacity of 255,681 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of wave and tidal power plants (modeled at 30% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 0 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in South Korea consumes 3 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 0 homes. As a clean and sustainable energy project, Garorim Bay Tidal Power Station contributes to the direct displacement of greenhouse gases, preventing substantial quantities of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere and helping South Korea advance toward its renewable energy integration targets. The physical site of the station is located at geographic coordinates 36.9585° latitude and 126.3226° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include Taean Thermal Power Plant (gas, 6,446.3 MW), Dangjin Power Station (coal, 6,040 MW), Dangjin Thermal Power Station (coal, 6,040 MW), representing a cluster of localized power assets. This geographic placement is vital for reinforcing regional distribution infrastructure and minimizing transmission line losses across this sector of South Korea.

Capacity
0 MW
Commissioning Year
2011

15 years old

Owner
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power
Location
36.9585°, 126.3226°

South Korea, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 36.958500, 126.322611
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Garorim Bay Tidal Power Station is a wave and tidal power plant producing approximately 0 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~17 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Wave and Tidal
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
South Korea
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

South KoreaEnergy Profile

265
Total Stations
255.7 GW
Total Capacity
CoalGasNuclearHydro
Top Fuels

Harnessing the Oceans: Wave and Tidal Power Generation

Wave and tidal power generation are emerging renewable energy sources that harness the kinetic energy of ocean currents and the movement of waves to produce electricity. These technologies utilise the natural motion of water, which is abundant and predictable, to create sustainable power solutions. The basic principle behind wave and tidal energy involves capturing the energy produced by the movement of water, whether through the rise and fall of waves or the flow of tidal currents. Various technologies are deployed for this purpose, including point absorbers, oscillating water columns, and tidal stream generators. These systems convert the mechanical energy from water movement into electrical energy through turbines or generators, offering a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Currently, there are ten operational wave and tidal power plants across four countries, with a total installed capacity of 0.6 gigawatts (GW). South Korea and France lead in capacity, with each hosting one plant, contributing 0.3 GW and 0.2 GW respectively. The United Kingdom has the highest number of plants, with seven operational sites, but these currently do not contribute to the total capacity. Canada has one plant that also does not report any capacity output. This disparity highlights the ongoing challenges in scaling up this technology to achieve broader commercial viability. The advantages of wave and tidal energy are numerous. Firstly, these resources are highly predictable compared to other renewable sources like wind or solar, allowing for better integration into energy grids. They also have a high energy density, meaning they can produce significant amounts of power from relatively small installations. Additionally, wave and tidal systems have a small physical footprint and can be designed to coexist with marine ecosystems, thus minimising land-use conflicts. Furthermore, they contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, providing a cleaner alternative to conventional power generation methods. However, there are notable disadvantages to the widespread adoption of wave and tidal energy. The initial capital costs for developing these technologies can be high, often requiring substantial investment in research, development, and infrastructure. Additionally, the operational environment is challenging, with marine conditions leading to potential wear and tear on equipment. There are also concerns regarding the environmental impact, particularly on marine life and ecosystems. The installation of power plants can disrupt local habitats, and the long-term effects of these installations on marine biodiversity are yet to be fully understood. Globally, the trend towards renewable energy sources is gaining momentum, with governments and private sectors increasingly recognising the importance of diversifying energy portfolios. Wave and tidal energy, while still in its infancy, is beginning to attract attention as part of this shift. Countries with extensive coastlines and strong tidal movements, such as the UK, South Korea, and Canada, are well-positioned to lead the way in this sector. As technology advances and costs decrease, we may see an increase in the number of projects and installations, potentially expanding the global capacity significantly. Looking ahead, the future of wave and tidal power generation appears promising. Innovations in materials science and engineering could lead to more durable and efficient systems. Additionally, the integration of energy storage solutions with wave and tidal plants could help mitigate the intermittency issues associated with renewable energy. With increasing investment and research into this field, wave and tidal energy may play a crucial role in achieving global energy targets and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. In conclusion, while there are challenges to overcome, wave and tidal power generation holds significant potential as a sustainable energy source for the future.

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