Overview
Supung is a 700 MW hydroelectric power plant in North Korea. It is an operational facility on the Yalu River, contributing to the country's power grid.
Supung is a hydroelectric power plant located on the Yalu River in North Korea, near the border with China. With a capacity of 700 MW, it is one of the larger hydroelectric facilities in the country, playing a significant role in North Korea's electricity generation. The plant operates using hydroelectric technology, which relies on water flow to generate electricity. In North Korea, hydroelectric power is a key component of the energy mix, given the country's mountainous terrain and river systems. The facility's capacity places it in the medium-to-large scale for hydroelectric plants globally. As a major power source, Supung supports regional electricity supply and industrial activity. Its location on a border river also highlights the importance of transboundary water management. The plant's operational status indicates ongoing contribution to North Korea's energy infrastructure.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, but can affect local aquatic ecosystems and river flow regimes. The Yalu River supports diverse freshwater habitats, and the dam's operation may alter downstream sediment transport and fish migration patterns. The facility's location in a relatively remote area reduces direct population exposure, but the ecological impacts of large-scale hydro projects warrant consideration.
Frequently asked questions
Supung is located on the Yalu River in North Korea, near the border with China.
The Supung hydroelectric plant has a capacity of 700 megawatts (MW).
Supung is a hydroelectric power plant, generating electricity from flowing water.
Hydroelectric plants can alter river ecosystems, affect fish migration, and change sediment flow, but they produce low greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants.
North Korea's power sector is state-controlled, with regulations focusing on energy security and grid stability. Environmental standards may be less stringent than in some other countries.