The Yeongwol Combined Heat and Power Station 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 한국남부발전, 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 Combined Heat and Power Station 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 Combined Heat and Power Station 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 37.1631° latitude and 128.4909° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Yeongwol (gas-fired, 848 MW), the Youngwol Power Plant (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
Overview of Yeongwol Combined Cycle Power Plant in South Korea
The Yeongwol Combined Cycle Power Plant, with a capacity of 848 megawatts (MW), is a significant facility in South Korea's energy landscape. Owned by Korea Southern Power Company (한국남부발전), this power plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel source, contributing to the country's transition towards cleaner energy generation. The plant's design incorporates advanced combined cycle technology, which allows it to achieve high efficiency by utilizing both gas and steam turbines. In this process, the waste heat from the gas turbines is used to produce steam that drives a steam turbine, effectively maximizing the energy derived from the natural gas fuel.
In South Korea, the energy sector has been undergoing a significant transformation, with a strong emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy sources. The Yeongwol Combined Cycle Power Plant plays a vital role in this strategy by providing a more flexible and cleaner alternative to coal-fired power generation. Natural gas is considered a 'bridge fuel' that helps to reduce reliance on more polluting fossil fuels while supporting the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the grid.
The environmental impact of the Yeongwol power plant is relatively lower compared to traditional coal plants. Natural gas combustion emits significantly fewer pollutants, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). This reduction in emissions is crucial for South Korea, a country that has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions as part of its commitments under international climate agreements. However, it is important to note that while natural gas is cleaner than coal, it is still a fossil fuel, and its extraction and transportation can result in methane leakage, which is a potent greenhouse gas.
Regionally, the Yeongwol Combined Cycle Power Plant serves as a critical asset for energy security and reliability. By generating substantial electricity, it supports local industries and residential consumers, contributing to the economic development of the region. The plant's operation also provides job opportunities and stimulates local businesses connected to energy production and maintenance. Furthermore, as South Korea continues to diversify its energy mix and enhance its energy infrastructure, the Yeongwol plant stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to modernizing its energy sector while striving for sustainability and environmental responsibility. In summary, the Yeongwol Combined Cycle Power Plant is not only an essential component of South Korea's energy strategy but also a model of how advanced technology can contribute to a cleaner 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.