Kumho E&C Finishes Korea's First Coal-To-Gas Plant in Gumi
Kumho E&C completed the 500 MW Gumi natural gas facility, raising local power self-sufficiency from 6% to 30%.
Key points
- Kumho E&C completed the 500 MW Gumi plant, Korea's first coal-to-gas conversion project for Korea Western Power.
- The facility is expected to increase Gumi's power self-sufficiency from 6% to 30% by the end of this month.
- The plant uses combined-cycle technology with gas and steam turbines to support the local semiconductor industry.
Kumho Engineering & Construction (002990.KS) has finished building the Gumi natural gas power plant, marking South Korea’s first completed fuel-conversion project. The 500-megawatt facility, located in the No. 5 National Industrial Complex at Gumi HiTech Valley, replaces a coal-fired unit at Taean with a gas-based system to align with national carbon neutrality goals.
The project was commissioned by Korea Western Power and executed exclusively by Kumho E&C. A completion ceremony took place on the 16th, with full operational status expected by the end of the month. According to sedaily.com, this transition significantly alters the regional energy mix by eliminating coal usage in favor of combined-cycle gas technology.
Combined-cycle technology boosts regional output
The plant utilizes a high-efficiency combined-cycle method involving one gas turbine, one steam turbine, and a heat recovery steam generator. Natural gas combustion drives the initial electricity generation, while waste heat produces steam to power the secondary turbine. This dual-stage process maximizes energy extraction from the fuel source compared to single-cycle systems.
Upon full operation, the facility is projected to raise Gumi’s power self-sufficiency rate from 6% to approximately 30%. This increase provides a stable electricity supply for the Gumi HiTech Valley, directly supporting the operational needs of the local semiconductor cluster and reducing reliance on external grid imports.
Expanded energy infrastructure portfolio
Beyond the Gumi project, Kumho E&C has established a track record in liquefied natural gas generation, including the Gongju power plant and Suwon cogeneration supply facilities. The company has also secured contracts for the Pocheon pumped-storage plant and the East Coast converter station, diversifying its presence in critical energy infrastructure sectors.
The firm stated that its involvement in the Gumi fuel conversion contributes to the broader energy transition and stabilizes regional power supply. Management indicated that it will continue to pursue similar energy infrastructure projects, leveraging its accumulated construction experience and technical expertise in natural gas facilities.
