December (Nampo) power station — 200 MW Coal

Ranking as the 17th largest power generation facility in North Korea, the December (Nampo) power station plays a significant role in the nation’s energy landscape. With a capacity of 200 MW, this coal-fired plant contributes approximately 2.17% to North Korea’s total capacity of 9,208 MW, highlighting its importance in a country where coal is the dominant fuel source. Commissioned in 1996 and operated by the Ministry of Electric Power, the December power station is part of a regional energy cluster that includes several other facilities. Notably, it neighbors the East Pyongyang power station, which boasts a capacity of 500 MW, as well as the Pyongyang power station and Sariwon, both coal-powered with capacities of 400 MW and 200 MW respectively. This proximity to larger coal plants emphasizes the December station’s role within North Korea’s energy framework, which consists of 31 total plants, 16 of which are coal facilities. The December power station’s output is crucial for meeting local demand, especially considering that it is one of the eight coal plants ranked in the country, underscoring its position within a primarily coal-powered grid. The strategic location of the December power station not only serves the immediate area but also supports the overall stability of the regional grid, which is critical given the country’s limited energy resources. As North Korea continues to navigate challenges related to energy supply and infrastructure, the December power station’s role as a coal-fired facility remains vital. Looking ahead, this plant is positioned to contribute to efforts aimed at enhancing energy reliability and addressing the challenges posed by coal dependency, which is prevalent in North Korea’s energy profile.