The Youngwol Power Plant 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, Youngwol Power Plant 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 Youngwol Power Plant 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 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
Overview of Yeongwol Combined Cycle Power Plant in South Korea
The Yeongwol Combined Cycle Power Plant, known as 영월복합화력발전소 in Korean, is a significant energy facility located in South Korea. With a total capacity of 848 megawatts (MW), this power plant plays a crucial role in the country's energy sector, particularly in supporting its transition towards more sustainable energy practices. Owned by Korea Southern Power Company (한국남부발전), the plant primarily utilizes natural gas as its fuel source, aligning with South Korea's ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on coal and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The technology employed at Yeongwol is classified as a combined cycle, which is known for its efficiency in producing electricity. This method involves using both gas and steam turbines to generate power. Initially, natural gas is combusted in a gas turbine, producing electricity and exhaust heat. This exhaust heat is then utilized to produce steam that drives a steam turbine, further enhancing the plant's overall efficiency. The dual process allows the plant to achieve higher energy output from the same amount of fuel compared to conventional power plants, making it an environmentally friendlier option.
In terms of environmental impact, the Yeongwol Combined Cycle Power Plant is designed to minimize emissions associated with electricity generation. By using natural gas, which burns cleaner than coal or oil, the facility significantly reduces particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere. However, while natural gas is considered a cleaner fossil fuel, it is important to note that methane leaks during extraction and transportation can still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, ongoing monitoring and improvements in operational practices are essential to mitigate these impacts.
Regionally, the Yeongwol Power Plant is of significant importance. It not only contributes to the stability and reliability of the local power supply but also supports the broader energy grid in South Korea. As the country strives to diversify its energy sources and increase the share of renewable energy, facilities like Yeongwol provide a necessary bridge. They help ensure that energy demands are met during periods of peak consumption while renewable sources are still being developed and integrated into the energy mix. Furthermore, the plant supports local economies by providing jobs and fostering economic activities related to energy production and maintenance.
In conclusion, the Yeongwol Combined Cycle Power Plant exemplifies South Korea's commitment to modernizing its energy infrastructure while addressing environmental concerns. Through its efficient use of natural gas, the plant enhances energy security and plays a pivotal role in the nation's transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
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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.
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