Overview
Yeongwol is an 848 MW gas power plant in South Korea, operated by Korea Southern Power. The facility plays a key role in the country's power generation mix.
Yeongwol is a gas-fired power plant located in South Korea, with a capacity of 848 megawatts. It is owned and operated by Korea Southern Power, a major utility in the region. The plant is currently operational and contributes to the national grid. The facility uses natural gas as its primary fuel, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal. In South Korea, gas power plants like Yeongwol are subject to national emission standards and operate under the country's energy policy framework, which emphasizes energy security and gradual decarbonization. The plant's capacity places it in the medium-to-large scale for gas-fired generation in the country. Yeongwol supports South Korea's electricity demand, particularly during peak periods. Its location in the mountainous region of Gangwon Province provides strategic grid support. The plant's operations align with national efforts to balance energy reliability with environmental considerations, as gas-fired plants typically emit less CO2 and air pollutants than coal-fired alternatives.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired technology results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal plants, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in a mountainous area may influence local air quality and water usage. South Korea's regulatory framework, including emission standards and carbon pricing, governs the plant's environmental performance.
Frequently asked questions
The Yeongwol power plant is located in South Korea, with coordinates 37.1630 N, 128.4924 E, in the Gangwon Province region.
The Yeongwol gas power plant has a capacity of 848 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large scale gas-fired facility in South Korea.
The Yeongwol power plant is owned and operated by Korea Southern Power, a subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).
Gas power plants in South Korea must comply with national emission standards under the Clean Air Conservation Act, which sets limits for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Additionally, the country's emissions trading scheme covers CO2 from large power plants.
Yeongwol provides baseload and peaking power to the national grid, supporting energy security. Gas-fired plants like Yeongwol are part of South Korea's strategy to reduce reliance on coal and nuclear while integrating renewable energy.