The Yeongwol 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 848 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 Korea Southern 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, Yeongwol occupies the #34 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 848 MW capacity represents a 1.12% 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 Yeongwol approximately 7.6 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.3317% 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 2,971,392 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 990,464 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 37.1630° latitude and 128.4924° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Youngwol Power Plant (gas-fired, 848 MW), the Yeongwol Combined Heat and Power Station (gas-fired, 848 MW), the Yecheon pumped-storage power station (hydroelectric, 800 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.
16 years old
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
Yeongwol Power Plant: A Key Player in South Korea's Energy Landscape
The Yeongwol Power Plant, located in Yeongwol County, South Korea, is a significant natural gas-fired power generation facility with a total capacity of 848 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2010, this power plant is owned and operated by Korea Southern Power, a subsidiary of the Korea Electric Power Corporation. As part of South Korea's energy sector, Yeongwol plays a crucial role in meeting the country’s growing electricity demands while promoting a transition towards cleaner energy sources.
The Yeongwol Power Plant primarily utilizes natural gas as its fuel source. Natural gas is considered a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, producing lower levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other harmful emissions when burned. The plant employs advanced combustion technology to optimize its efficiency and minimize environmental impacts. With a capacity of 848 MW, Yeongwol contributes significantly to the national grid, especially during peak demand periods, ensuring reliable power supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users.
In terms of environmental impact, the Yeongwol Power Plant is designed to comply with stringent South Korean environmental regulations. Natural gas combustion results in fewer air pollutants compared to other fossil fuels, which helps reduce smog and improve air quality in the surrounding regions. However, the plant's operations still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, prompting ongoing discussions about the broader implications of natural gas as a transitional fuel in the context of climate change. The South Korean government is actively pursuing policies aimed at reducing overall carbon emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, which adds complexity to the role of gas-fired plants like Yeongwol in the future energy landscape.
Regionally, Yeongwol has a significant economic impact, providing jobs and stimulating local development. The facility not only employs a number of skilled workers but also supports ancillary industries and services in the area. As South Korea continues to navigate its energy transition, the Yeongwol Power Plant stands as a vital part of the existing infrastructure, balancing energy needs with environmental considerations. The plant's role will likely evolve as the country invests in renewable energy sources and seeks to achieve its carbon neutrality goals by 2050. Overall, the Yeongwol Power Plant exemplifies the ongoing transformation of South Korea's energy sector, highlighting the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of natural gas into a more sustainable energy future.
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.
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.