World Power Plants

Samcheonpo coal power plant, located in South Korea, is a significant energy generation facility with a capacity of 3,240 MW. Operated by Korea South East Power (KOSEP), this facility plays a crucial role in the country's energy supply, particularly in meeting the demands of an industrialized society. Situated at coordinates 34.9103 latitude and 128.1085 longitude, the Samcheonpo power plant contributes to the South Korean energy mix, which is increasingly focused on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Utilizing advanced coal technology, the plant is designed to optimize efficiency while minimizing emissions, aligning with national energy policies that emphasize the reduction of carbon footprints. The significance of the Samcheonpo power plant extends beyond its output; it serves as a cornerstone for energy security in the region, ensuring reliable power delivery to both urban and rural areas amid a backdrop of transitioning energy policies that increasingly favor diversification towards renewable sources.

Capacity
3,240 MW

3.24 GW

Commissioning Year
1999

27 years old

Owner
Korea South East Power (KOSEP)
Location
34.9103°, 128.1085°

South Korea, Asia

Context & rankings
  • 27. largest of 265 plants in South Korea
  • #295 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #97 of 2,793 Coal plants worldwide
  • 1.27% of the installed capacity of South Korea
Age & fleet comparison

27 years in operation

Coal fleet average: 29.2 years

Operator portfolio

Korea South East Power (KOSEP) operates 5 plants totalling 10,245 MW

Regional density

40 plants within 100 km, 28,604 MW combined

Nearest plant: Jinju Landfill Gas (24.7 km)

Data provenance

Source: KOSEP

Location

Coordinates:: 34.910300, 128.108500
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
12.80 Mt
15610 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
345.61 Mt
Over 27 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2039
13 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
2.8M
cars per year
1.7M
homes per year
581.8M
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 Plant Database

Overview of Samcheonpo Power Plant in South Korea

The Samcheonpo Power Plant, located in South Korea, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility with a total installed capacity of 3,240 megawatts (MW). Owned and operated by Korea South East Power (KOSEP), the plant plays an essential role in the country's energy landscape by contributing to the stability and reliability of South Korea's electricity supply. As one of the major power generation sources in the region, the plant underscores the importance of coal as a fuel in South Korea's energy mix, despite the growing emphasis on renewable energy sources in recent years.

Coal, the primary fuel used at Samcheonpo, is known for its high energy density and abundance, making it a popular choice for electricity generation. However, it also presents challenges due to its environmental impact. The combustion of coal releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, contributing to air pollution and climate change. In response to these environmental concerns, the South Korean government has initiated policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. This includes investments in renewable energy, nuclear power, and advanced technologies to improve the efficiency and reduce the emissions of existing coal-fired plants, including Samcheonpo.

The Samcheonpo Power Plant is strategically significant for the region, primarily serving the southeastern part of South Korea, where energy demand is high due to industrial activities and urbanization. The plant's ability to provide a stable and reliable electricity supply is crucial for supporting local economies and industries. Additionally, it plays a role in balancing the grid, especially during peak demand periods when electricity consumption surges.

In recent years, the South Korean government has made strides to reduce the reliance on coal in its energy portfolio, with plans to phase out older coal-fired power plants and enhance efficiency in remaining facilities. The Samcheonpo Power Plant, while being a vital part of the current energy infrastructure, is also under scrutiny for its environmental footprint. The plant has faced pressure to adopt cleaner technologies and practices to mitigate its impact on air quality and climate change.

In conclusion, the Samcheonpo Power Plant is a key player in South Korea's energy sector, providing substantial electricity generation capacity while also highlighting the challenges and environmental considerations associated with coal as a fuel source. As the country navigates its energy transition, the future of the Samcheonpo Power Plant will likely involve significant changes aimed at balancing energy needs with environmental responsibilities.

South KoreaEnergy Profile

265
Total Plants
255.7 GW
Total Capacity
CoalGasNuclearHydro
Top Fuels

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