Gumi Natural Gas Power Plant Completes South Korea's First Coal-Fuel Conversion Project

Korea Western Power has completed South Korea's first coal-fired power fuel-conversion project, replacing the retired Taean Coal-Fired Unit 1 with a 500-megawatt (MW)-class natural-gas combined-cycle power plant.

The Gumi Natural Gas Power Plant is located in North Gyeongsang Province and began commercial operations on February 20, 2026. The project has strengthened the foundation for a stable power supply to advanced industrial complexes, such as the Gumi High-tech Industrial Complex, where semiconductors are concentrated.

The power self-sufficiency rate of Gumi has risen from 6% to about 30%, thanks to the plant's operation. The project also prevented duplicate investment in gas pipelines through cooperation with Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), saving approximately KRW 200 billion in national budget spending.