The Bundang Power Plant is a key infrastructure asset in South Korea's power generation grid, located on the continent of Asia. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 922 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing gas energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the 한국남동발전, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. An exact commissioning date for the installation is not registered in official historical logs. In terms of domestic production capacity within South Korea, Bundang Power Plant occupies the #28 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 922 MW capacity represents a 1.21% share of South Korea's total installed gas generating capacity, which currently stands at 76,023 MW. The largest operational gas installation in South Korea is the Taean Thermal Power Plant with an output of 6,446 MW, making the Bundang Power Plant approximately 7.0 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.3606% of South Korea's aggregate generation capacity of 255,681 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of gas power plants (modeled at 40% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 3,230,688 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 1,076,896 homes. By utilizing traditional thermal power processes, the station delivers reliable dispatchable energy to the grid, supporting grid resilience during periods of low renewable resource availability and satisfying industrial base-load demands. The physical site of the station is located at geographic coordinates 37.3659° latitude and 127.1463° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Pyeongtaek Power Plant (gas-fired, 2268.5 MW), the Pyeongtaek Thermal Power Station (gas-fired, 2268.5 MW), the Bugok (gas-fired, 1503 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.
South Korea, Asia
Location
Estimates based on Gas emission factor (490 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (45%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Gas
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
South Korea- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Overview of Bundang Combined Cycle Power Plant
The Bundang Combined Cycle Power Plant, known in Korean as 분당복합화력발전소, is a significant energy facility located in South Korea. With a total capacity of 922 megawatts (MW), this power plant plays a crucial role in the country's energy sector, primarily utilizing natural gas as its fuel source. Operated by Korea Southern Power Company (한국남동발전), the plant is part of South Korea's ongoing efforts to diversify its energy portfolio and increase the efficiency of energy production.
The technology behind the Bundang power plant is centered on combined cycle power generation, which integrates both gas and steam turbines to enhance overall efficiency. In this system, natural gas is combusted in a gas turbine, generating electricity while producing hot exhaust gases. Instead of being released into the atmosphere, these exhaust gases are then directed to a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), where they produce steam to drive a steam turbine. This dual process allows the plant to achieve higher efficiency rates, often exceeding 60%, compared to traditional single-cycle power plants.
As a natural gas-fired facility, the Bundang power plant contributes to South Korea's energy mix by providing a cleaner alternative to coal, which has been historically dominant in the region. Natural gas is considered a bridge fuel in the transition to renewable energy sources, as it emits significantly lower levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants compared to coal combustion. However, it is important to note that natural gas is still a fossil fuel and its extraction and transportation can lead to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Therefore, while the Bundang plant aids in reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions compared to coal-fired plants, it is not without environmental concerns.
Regionally, the Bundang Combined Cycle Power Plant supports the electricity needs of the Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds Seoul and is one of the most populous and economically vital areas in South Korea. The plant's capacity helps stabilize the grid and meet peak demand, particularly during the summer months when energy consumption rises due to air conditioning use. Additionally, the plant contributes to energy security in the region by providing a reliable source of power generation.
In conclusion, the Bundang Combined Cycle Power Plant stands as a pivotal component of South Korea's energy landscape, leveraging advanced technology to produce electricity efficiently and with reduced environmental impact. As the country continues to navigate its energy challenges and work towards a more sustainable future, facilities like Bundang play an essential role in ensuring a reliable power supply while transitioning towards cleaner energy solutions.
Nearby Power Plants
Gas Power Generation: An Overview of Its Mechanisms, Benefits, and Future Prospects
Gas power generation is a significant component of the global energy landscape, characterized by the use of natural gas to produce electricity. This process typically involves either gas turbines or combined cycle gas plants. In a gas turbine, compressed air is mixed with natural gas and ignited, producing high-temperature exhaust gases that spin a turbine connected to a generator. Combined cycle plants enhance efficiency by utilizing both gas and steam turbines. After the gas turbine generates electricity, the waste heat is used to produce steam, which drives a steam turbine, thereby maximizing energy extraction from the fuel.
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