Kumho E&C Completes South Korea's First Coal-to-Gas Power Conversion

Kumho Engineering & Construction has completed construction of South Korea's first coal-to-gas power conversion project, marking a significant step towards the country's carbon-neutrality strategy. The project, located in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, replaces the No. 1 coal-fired generating unit at the Taean power complex with a combined-cycle natural gas plant.

The new facility has an installed capacity of approximately 500 MW and comprises a gas turbine, steam turbine, and heat recovery steam generator. This combined-cycle configuration enables natural gas to generate electricity through the gas turbine, while waste heat is recovered to produce steam for a second electricity-generating stage.

Once fully operational, the facility is expected to significantly strengthen Gumi's local electricity supply, with the city's energy self-sufficiency rate projected to increase from approximately 6% to around 30%. The additional power will serve Gumi Hi-Tech Valley and support the development of a dedicated semiconductor complex.

Kumho E&C has previously participated in natural gas power and LNG-related projects, and this project demonstrates its contribution to South Korea's energy transition while creating a stable power foundation for the region. The company plans to pursue additional energy infrastructure opportunities by leveraging its construction capabilities across natural gas power and other energy facilities.