World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Yonghungdo Power Station5,080 MW Coal

Coal

The Yonghungdo power station, known locally as 영흥화력발전소, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility in South Korea with a formidable capacity of 5080 MW. Operated by 한국남동발전, this power plant plays a crucial role in the country's energy mix, where coal remains one of the primary sources of electricity. Located at coordinates 37.2424° N, 126.4384° E, the Yonghungdo power station is strategically positioned to support the local and national grid, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of energy to meet the ever-growing demand of South Korea's industrial and residential sectors. The technology utilised at this facility is based on traditional coal combustion processes, converting the chemical energy of coal into thermal energy, which is then used to produce steam that drives turbines for electricity generation. As South Korea continues to grapple with energy policy challenges, the Yonghungdo power station embodies the balance between energy security and environmental responsibility. Despite the global shift towards greener energy solutions, this power plant remains a backbone of energy generation, particularly during peak demand periods. The operational context of Yonghungdo is intertwined with South Korea's evolving energy policies, which are increasingly focusing on reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy efficiency. However, given the current energy landscape, Yonghungdo is essential for maintaining grid stability and supporting economic growth. In summary, the Yonghungdo power station is a crucial component of South Korea’s energy infrastructure, illustrating the complexities of energy generation in a nation that is transitioning toward a more sustainable energy future while still relying heavily on coal.

Capacity
5,080 MW

5.08 GW

Commissioning Year
2015

11 years old

Owner
한국남동발전
Location
37.2424°, 126.4384°

South Korea, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 37.242387, 126.438393
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
20.07 Mt
24475 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
220.77 Mt
Over 11 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2055
29 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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