Kowepo selects GE technology for IGCC power plant

Kowepo has selected GE technology for the first integrated gasification combined-cycle power plant to be built in South Korea.

The 300MW 'cleaner coal facility' is expected to help the South Korean Government meet its low carbon emissions targets, while strengthening the country's electricity supply. GE will supply a 7F Syngas Turbine, a D11 steam turbine, a heat recovery steam generator and a cyber security-featured Mark VIe integrated control system. This equipment will run the power island control system, which will be handled by a GE Mark Vle ICS that interfaces with the gasification and air separation units.

This is the first commercial gasification combined-cycle plant to be developed under South Korea's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. GE's 7F Syngas turbine operates on cleaner burning syngas fuel produced from the gasification of low BTU coal. The purpose of the syngas turbines is to allow for the efficient production of electricity through the conversion of coal to gas, in a process that removes pollutants.

Key equipment will be received during the first half of 2014, with the plant's commercial operation due to start in late 2015. GE will also provide ten years of maintenance services for the facility. Currently, Kowepo or the Korea Western Power Co has 12 GE gas turbines and 18 steam turbines, which operate in combined-cycle and coal-fired power plants around South Korea.

The government has provided research and development funding for the gasification process.