Korea Western Power (KOWEPO) – a prime mover and innovator in the 21st century Korean power industry – has set a challenging goal of converting 20 per cent of its total power generation capacity into renewable energy.
To achieve the target, 6.15 trillion South Korean won (HK$44.5 billion) will be invested by 2030. KOWEPO is already making tremendous efforts to transform its conventional Taean thermal power complex into a renewable multi-purpose power-generating facility.
Ensuring that plant operations are in harmony with its surrounding environment, the Taean complex is outfitted with the latest flue gas desulphurisation facilities, continuous coal handling machines and wastewater treatment facilities. The complex is the first among Korean power plants to receive ISO14001 and ISO9001 certification.
In May 2016, KOWEPO brought online a 1.84MW waterside photovoltaic power unit at the site. Additional renewable energy plants are planned to be built at the Taean complex, including wind and hydroelectric power units, along with a 50MW waterside photovoltaic power plant in the lake near the complex.
Since its spin-off from the Korea Electric Power Corp in 2011, KOWEPO has achieved remarkable growth year by year. In addition to the Taean facility, KOWEPO operates three eco-friendly power complexes: Pyeongtaek, Seoincheon and Gunsan.