World Power Plants

The Pochon power plant is a significant hydroelectric facility located in North Korea, contributing to the country's energy generation landscape with a capacity of 400 MW. This power plant harnesses the natural flow of water to produce electricity, making it a vital component of the region's energy mix. As a hydroelectric facility, Pochon utilizes the gravitational force of flowing water to turn turbines, which in turn generate power. This technology is known for its efficiency and low emissions, positioning hydroelectric energy as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. Situated at coordinates 38.8921° N latitude and 127.4562° E longitude, the Pochon power plant plays a crucial role in providing stable electricity to the local grid and surrounding regions. Hydropower plants like Pochon are essential in North Korea, where energy demands are high and the reliance on renewable sources is increasingly prioritized. Given the country's limited access to diverse energy resources, the operational capacity of this facility is particularly significant for meeting both industrial and residential energy needs. The Pochon power plant is one of the key contributors to North Korea's overall energy strategy, which seeks to enhance energy security through the development of domestic renewable energy resources. The ongoing focus on hydropower aligns with global trends toward sustainability and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. As North Korea continues to navigate its energy policies, the Pochon power plant stands out as an example of the potential for hydroelectric energy to support the nation's goals. With a capacity of 400 MW, Pochon not only serves local communities but also strengthens the national grid by providing a stable and renewable source of power. The importance of this facility cannot be overstated, as it helps to mitigate the impacts of energy shortages and fosters economic stability in the region. The reliance on hydroelectric power is particularly advantageous in North Korea, where water resources are abundant and can be effectively harnessed for energy production. Overall, the Pochon power plant exemplifies the role of hydroelectric facilities in transitioning towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

Capacity
400 MW
Commissioning Year
1980

46 years old

Owner
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power
Location
38.8921°, 127.4562°

North Korea, Asia

Context & rankings
  • 7. largest of 31 plants in North Korea
  • #5,234 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #863 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 4.34% of the installed capacity of North Korea
Age & fleet comparison

46 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power operates 18 plants totalling 5,537 MW

Regional density

3 plants within 100 km, 324 MW combined

Nearest plant: Hwacheon (90.6 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 38.892100, 127.456200
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Pochon is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1402 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
North Korea
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

North KoreaEnergy Profile

31
Total Plants
9.2 GW
Total Capacity
CoalHydro
Top Fuels

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