Korea Midland Power
On September 27, Korea Midland Power (KOMIPO) held a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of Seoul’s first thermal power plant. 1.0181 trillion won (US$947 million) will go into the construction of the world’s first urban underground power plant. The construction is set to be completed by September 2016.
The ground facilities currently in operation will be converted into a cultural complex that includes sports facilities, a library, museum, and a performance center. This will become the world’s second thermal power plant to be converted into a cultural space. Britain’s Tate Modern, which is based in the former Bankside Power Station, was first, but constructed on the ground.
The construction of these power plants was first mentioned in the 2006 Third Power Supply and Demand Plan, but has been postponed due to conflicts with local residents. The negotiations lasted seven years until they agreed on construction underground.
In this project, KEPCO E&C will be in charge of design, Doosan Heavy Industries will supply the main equipment, and the POSCO E&C consortium will carry out the construction.
As the only power plant in Seoul, the new thermal power plant will supply 9.8% of Seoul’s entire power consumption. Furthermore, it will provide heat to approximately 100,000 homes and key public facilities in the Mapo and Yeouido areas.