World Power Plants

Chungju Dam400 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

The Chungju Dam, known locally as 충주수력발전소, is a cornerstone of South Korea's energy generation framework. Commissioned in 1978, this hydroelectric power plant boasts a capacity of 400 MW, making it a vital contributor to the nation’s renewable energy portfolio. Located at coordinates 37.0072, 127.9925, the Chungju Dam harnesses the power of water to generate electricity, utilizing a dam-based hydroelectric technology that has proven efficient and sustainable. As one of the significant water resources in South Korea, the dam not only supports energy generation but also plays a critical role in flood control and irrigation for the surrounding agricultural lands. Operated by K Water, the facility reflects South Korea's commitment to enhancing its energy security through renewable sources, especially as the country aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The hydroelectric generation technology employed at the Chungju Dam converts the potential energy of stored water into kinetic energy, driving turbines that generate electricity. This operation is integral to maintaining balance in the local grid, providing a stable power supply to the region and contributing to national energy policies focused on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. The Chungju Dam exemplifies the importance of integrating renewable energy into the energy mix, showcasing South Korea's proactive approach to energy management.

Capacity
400 MW
Commissioning Year
1978

48 years old

Owner
K Water
Location
37.0072°, 127.9925°

South Korea, Asia

Context & rankings
  • 114. largest of 265 plants in South Korea
  • #5,237 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #863 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.16% of the installed capacity of South Korea
Age & fleet comparison

48 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

K Water operates 2 plants totalling 800 MW

Regional density

53 plants within 100 km, 15,441 MW combined

Nearest plant: Goesan (28 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 37.007180, 127.992491
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Chungju Dam 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
South Korea
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

South KoreaEnergy Profile

265
Total Plants
255.7 GW
Total Capacity
CoalGasNuclearHydro
Top Fuels

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