Sihwa tidal power plant poses as good example in search for renewable energy

Arirang News

21 Jun 201702:30

Summary

TLDRSouth Korea's government is pivoting towards renewable energy, as seen in the permanent shutdown of its oldest nuclear reactor. The Sihwa Tidal Power Plant, situated near Seoul, stands out with its ten turbines generating 52 million kilowatts annually, enough for 200,000 households. Constructed on a 1994 seawall, the plant not only supports over 145 bird species but also offsets 860,000 barrels of fossil fuels and 310,000 tons of CO2 emissions yearly. Despite its success, expanding tidal power requires extensive environmental assessments and suitable tide levels.

Takeaways

🏛️ The South Korean government is moving away from nuclear and fossil fuels, emphasizing renewable energy sources.
🌊 The country's first and only operational tidal power plant is located in Ansan, near Seoul, utilizing seawater from a tidal embankment.
🌐 This unique facility features ten turbines, unlike most tidal power plants worldwide that have one or two turbines.
🔋 The plant generates up to 52 million kilowatts of electricity annually, sufficient for 200,000 households.
🏗️ Construction of the tidal power plant began in 2005, reusing a seawall from 1994 initially intended for flood control.
🌱 The original plan for a freshwater lake was abandoned in 2000 due to water quality issues, leading to the plant's establishment in 2011.
🐦 Contrary to environmental concerns, the plant has become a habitat for over 145 bird species and a tourist attraction.
🌳 The plant contributes to reducing 860,000 barrels of fossil fuel annually and over 310,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
🔬 Expanding tidal power requires extensive environmental studies and meets minimum tide level requirements for power generation.
📈 The Sihwa tidal power plant serves as a model for green energy production, highlighting the potential of renewable energy in South Korea.

Q & A

What is the new government of South Korea's stance on nuclear and fossil fuels?
-The new government in South Korea is aiming to reduce the country's reliance on nuclear power and fossil fuels.
What significant action has South Korea taken recently regarding its energy policy?
-South Korea has permanently shut down its oldest nuclear reactor as part of its focus on renewable energy.
What is the location of Korea's only operating tidal power plant?
-The tidal power plant is located in Ansan, an hour's drive away from the capital Seoul.
How does the Sihwa tidal power plant differ from other tidal power plants worldwide?
-Sihwa's tidal power plant is unique because it operates ten turbines 365 days a year, unlike other plants which typically have one or two turbines.
What is the annual electricity production capacity of the Sihwa tidal power plant?
-The Sihwa tidal power plant produces up to 52 million kilowatts of electricity a year, equivalent to the annual usage of 200,000 households.
When did construction for the Sihwa tidal power plant begin and why was the seawall originally built?
-Construction began in 2005 using a seawall that was set up in 1994 for flood control as part of a tideland reclamation project.
Why was the original plan for the Sihwa area scrapped in 2000?
-The original plan to create a freshwater lake for agricultural purposes was scrapped due to deteriorating water quality.
How has the environment around the Sihwa tidal power plant been affected by its operation?
-Contrary to initial concerns, the area has been restored and is now home to over 145 bird species and attracts over 1.4 million visitors annually.
What is the environmental impact of the Sihwa tidal power plant in terms of fossil fuel and carbon dioxide emissions?
-The plant's operation replaces the use of approximately 860,000 barrels of fossil fuel annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 310,000 tons.
What challenges are there in adding more tidal power plants like Sihwa in South Korea?
-Adding more tidal power plants requires intense environmental studies that can take years, and there is a minimum requirement for tide levels to generate power.
Who is responsible for the efforts that helped restore the environment around the Sihwa tidal power plant?
-The Korea Water Resources Corporation played a key role in the environmental restoration efforts around the Sihwa tidal power plant.

Outlines

00:00

🌊 South Korea's Transition to Renewable Energy with Tidal Power

The South Korean government is actively reducing its dependence on nuclear and fossil fuels by shutting down its oldest nuclear reactor and focusing on renewable energy sources. The Sihwa Tidal Power Plant, located in Ansan near Seoul, stands out as the country's sole operational tidal power facility. It generates and stores electricity using seawater trapped within a tidal embankment, powered by ten turbines that operate year-round. This plant is unique for its ten turbines, unlike most tidal plants that have one or two. The annual electricity production is substantial, equating to the power consumption of 200,000 households. Originally constructed in 2005 as part of a flood control project, the plant was repurposed after water quality issues halted the original plan. The Korea Water Resources Corporation has managed to restore the environment, making the area a haven for bird species and a popular tourist destination. The plant significantly reduces fossil fuel usage and carbon dioxide emissions, setting a precedent for green energy. However, expanding this model is challenging due to the need for extensive environmental studies and specific tide level requirements.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Renewable Energy

Renewable energy refers to power sources that are replenished naturally and sustainably, such as solar, wind, and hydro power. In the context of the video, South Korea's new government is shifting its focus towards renewable energy to reduce reliance on nuclear and fossil fuels, highlighting the country's environmental commitment and the role of alternative energy sources in achieving energy security and sustainability.

💡Nuclear Power

Nuclear power is a method of generating electricity through nuclear fission, where the energy released from splitting atoms is used to produce steam, which then drives turbines. The video mentions the permanent shutdown of South Korea's oldest nuclear reactor, indicating a policy change towards reducing nuclear energy reliance, which is significant for understanding the country's energy strategy and environmental goals.

💡Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are hydrocarbon-based energy sources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals. The script discusses the reduction of reliance on these fuels as part of South Korea's energy policy, emphasizing the environmental impact and the need for cleaner energy alternatives.

💡Tidal Power Plant

A tidal power plant is a facility that harnesses the energy from tides to generate electricity. The video describes the unique operation of South Korea's only tidal power plant in Ansan, which uses seawater stored in a tidal embankment to generate power through ten turbines, setting it apart from other plants worldwide.

💡Turbines

Turbines are mechanical devices that convert the kinetic energy of a moving fluid (in this case, tidal water) into mechanical power, which is then used to generate electricity. The script highlights that the Sihwa tidal power plant has ten turbines, which is an unusual number compared to other tidal power plants, and contributes significantly to its power output.

💡Kilowatts

A kilowatt is a unit of power equal to one thousand watts, and it is commonly used to measure the output of electrical devices. The video states that the tidal power plant produces up to 52 million kilowatts of electricity a year, illustrating the scale of energy production and its impact on reducing the need for other power sources.

💡Environmental Studies

Environmental studies involve the scientific investigation of the natural environment and the effects of human activity on it. The script mentions that potential sites for additional tidal power plants must undergo intense environmental studies, which can take years, indicating the thoroughness required to ensure minimal ecological impact.

💡Flood Control

Flood control refers to measures taken to prevent or mitigate the effects of flooding. The video explains that the seawall at the Sihwa tidal power plant was initially constructed for flood control in 1994, showing how infrastructure can be repurposed for multiple uses, including environmental and energy benefits.

💡Tideland Reclamation

Tideland reclamation is the process of converting tidal or coastal lands into dry land, often for agricultural or development purposes. The script refers to South Korea's 1987 project, which aimed to create a freshwater lake but was later repurposed due to water quality issues, leading to the establishment of the tidal power plant.

💡Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Carbon dioxide emissions are the release of CO2 into the atmosphere, often as a result of burning fossil fuels. The video mentions that the tidal power plant contributes to the reduction of over 310,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, underscoring the environmental benefits of renewable energy sources over traditional ones.

💡Korea Water Resources Corporation

The Korea Water Resources Corporation is a South Korean government agency responsible for water management and related environmental projects. The script credits this corporation with efforts that helped restore the area around the tidal power plant, turning it into a habitat for numerous bird species and a tourist attraction.

Highlights

South Korea's new government aims to decrease the country's dependence on nuclear and fossil fuels.

The oldest nuclear reactor in South Korea has been permanently shut down.

Ansan's tidal power plant is the only operational one in South Korea.

Sihwa Lake's tidal power plant uses seawater stored in a tidal embankment for electricity generation.

The facility operates ten turbines, distinguishing it from other tidal power plants worldwide.

Sihwa's tidal power plant operates 365 days a year, unlike others that depend on tidal flow direction.

The plant produces 52 million kilowatts of electricity annually, sufficient for 200,000 households.

The construction of the plant began in 2005, reusing a seawall from 1994 initially built for flood control.

The original purpose of the seawall was for a freshwater lake project, which was abandoned in 2000 due to water quality issues.

The tidal power plant began operations in 2011 after repurposing the embankment.

Contrary to environmental concerns, the plant has helped restore the area, now home to over 145 bird species.

The plant attracts over 1.4 million visitors annually, becoming a popular tourist site.

The ten turbines' electricity production can replace 860,000 barrels of fossil fuel annually.

The plant contributes to the reduction of over 310,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

While the plant is a green energy benchmark, expanding such facilities is challenging due to environmental studies and tide level requirements.

Potential sites for new tidal power plants require intensive environmental studies and meet minimum tide level criteria.