World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Yeongheung5,080 MW Coal

Coal

Yeongheung is a prominent coal-fired power generation facility located in South Korea, with a substantial capacity of 5080 MW. Operated by Korea South East Power (KOSEP), this power plant plays a critical role in the country’s energy generation landscape, where coal remains a significant fuel source. Situated at coordinates 37.2369° N, 126.4361° E, Yeongheung serves not only the local community but also contributes to the national grid, providing essential electricity to meet the needs of both residential and industrial consumers. The technology used at Yeongheung primarily involves traditional coal combustion, which efficiently converts the chemical energy stored in coal into thermal energy. This thermal energy is then utilised to produce steam that drives turbines for electricity generation. As South Korea continues to develop its energy policy, the Yeongheung power plant exemplifies the ongoing reliance on coal, even as the government aims to transition towards more sustainable energy solutions. The operational context of this facility is heavily influenced by South Korea’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, compelling energy producers like Yeongheung to explore options for cleaner technologies and efficiency improvements. Despite these challenges, the plant’s significant capacity ensures that it remains an essential component of the national energy infrastructure, particularly in times of high demand. Overall, Yeongheung stands as a vital contributor to South Korea’s energy generation, highlighting the complexities of balancing reliable energy supply with environmental considerations in a rapidly evolving energy market.

Capacity
5,080 MW

5.08 GW

Commissioning Year
2010

16 years old

Owner
Korea South East Power (KOSEP)
Location
37.2369°, 126.4361°

South Korea, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 37.236900, 126.436100
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
20.07 Mt
24475 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
321.12 Mt
Over 16 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2050
24 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
4.4M
cars per year
2.7M
homes per year
912.3M
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
South Korea
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

South KoreaEnergy Profile

265
Total Stations
255.7 GW
Total Capacity
CoalGasNuclearHydro
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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