The Pyeongtaek 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 1400 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing oil energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Korea Western Power, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2010, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within South Korea, Pyeongtaek occupies the #2 position among all operational oil power plants. Its 1400 MW capacity represents a 27.61% share of South Korea's total installed oil generating capacity, which currently stands at 5,071 MW. The largest operational oil installation in South Korea is the Ulsan with an output of 3,000 MW, making the Pyeongtaek approximately 2.1 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.5476% of South Korea's aggregate generation capacity of 255,681 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of oil power plants (modeled at 15% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 1,839,600 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 613,200 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 37.0041° latitude and 126.7946° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Dangjin Power Station (coal-fired, 6040 MW), the Dangjin Thermal Power Station (coal-fired, 6040 MW), the Yeongheung (coal-fired, 5080 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.
1.40 GW
16 years old
South Korea, Asia
Location
Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Oil
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
South Korea- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Pyeongtaek Power Plant: A Key Player in South Korea's Energy Landscape
The Pyeongtaek Power Plant is a significant thermal power facility located in South Korea, with a substantial capacity of 1,400 megawatts (MW). Owned and operated by Korea Western Power, the plant primarily utilizes oil as its fuel source, contributing to the nation's energy supply and stability. As South Korea continues to develop its energy infrastructure, the Pyeongtaek Power Plant plays a crucial role in meeting the country's demand for electricity, especially during peak consumption periods.
The use of oil as a fuel type for power generation involves the combustion of refined petroleum products, which can include various grades of fuel oil. This process generates steam in boilers, which drives turbines to produce electricity. While oil is a versatile and energy-dense fuel, its use in power generation poses challenges, particularly concerning cost and environmental impact. Fluctuations in oil prices can affect the operational costs of the plant, making it less economically favorable compared to other energy sources such as natural gas or renewables.
From an environmental perspective, the burning of oil for electricity generation releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These emissions contribute to air quality issues and climate change, prompting regulatory scrutiny and encouraging the transition to cleaner energy sources. In response to these concerns, Korea Western Power has made efforts to implement technologies that reduce emissions and enhance efficiency, although the inherent challenges associated with oil-fired generation remain.
Regionally, the Pyeongtaek Power Plant is strategically important for South Korea's energy security. Situated near major urban centers, it serves as a vital source of power for both residential and industrial consumers. The plant not only supports the local economy by providing reliable electricity but also contributes to employment opportunities within the region. Its location facilitates the efficient distribution of electricity to the surrounding areas, which is essential for maintaining economic activity and supporting the growth of industries.
As South Korea moves toward a more sustainable energy future, the Pyeongtaek Power Plant represents a transitional element in the country's energy landscape. While the plant's reliance on oil presents certain challenges, it also highlights the ongoing need for diverse energy sources to ensure reliability and stability in the power grid. As the nation invests in renewable energy technologies and aims for a reduction in carbon emissions, the role of facilities like Pyeongtaek will continue to evolve, ultimately contributing to a balanced and sustainable energy mix.
Nearby Power Plants
An Overview of Oil as a Power Generation Energy Source
Oil power generation involves the combustion of oil to produce electricity. The process typically begins with the extraction and refining of crude oil, which is then burned in a power plant to create steam. This steam drives turbines connected to generators, converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Oil power plants can vary in design, including steam turbine plants, gas turbine plants, and combined cycle plants, which utilize both gas and steam turbines to enhance efficiency. As of now, there are 2,416 oil power plants worldwide, distributed across 108 countries, with a total installed capacity of 286.9 gigawatts (GW).
See Incorrect or Missing Data?
Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.