Impacts

Energy portfolio:

In 2011 the construction of The Sihwa Tidal Power Plant was completed. The Sihwa plant will be able to provide approximately 254,000 KW of electricity to 500,000 households annually. By not using fossil fuels for power production, the plant has the potential to reduce 315,000 metric tons of CO2 per annum, equivalent to the amount of air purified by 60 million pine trees. The project not only satisfies the Korean government's policy on expanding alternative energy resources but also the Kyoto Agreement. 

Natural Environment:

The regular water circulation through the tidal plant has significantly improved the water quality of the Sihwa Lake. Transforming what was nicknamed the dead lake into a life giving eco-lake with emerging mud flats that provide shelters for various organisms. The surrounding environment having seen a significant improvement since the commissioning of the plant is now home to over 146 bird species around the lake.

The turbines at The Sihwa Tidal Power Plant use biodegradable oils as its lubricant and hydraulic fluid. The choice to use these was made to ensure that in the case of a leak where the fluids would flow into the ocean they would not have an affect on the environment. The cost to use these biodegradable oils far surpasses the cost of using more common mineral oils. However the use of these biodegradable oils are seen as an essential aspect of the project that’s needed to accomplish the goal of improving the water quality of the lake. 

Recreation/Economy:

Korea depends on the importation of energy sources for 97% of its total power generated, this puts the county in an extremely susceptible position to the changes in the foreign and global energy market. With a global push to decrease dependence on fossil fuels the development of an alternative energy source with more stability and security than solar or wind power is needed. In comparison to other types of new renewable energy, tidal power generation allows accurate predictions and effective production. The electrical generation through tidal power is possible two times per day, at predictable times, allowing for a stable and semi-permanent production of energy. K-water has reported that the plant has reduced the imported petroleum for power generation by 862,000 barrels annually, cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 315,000 tons per year. 

The tidal plant and its partners built an eco-friendly marine park called T-light Park, and the Cultural Center using recycled soil and sand from the dismantled cofferdams. The name, ’T-Light’ was coined to symbolize the ‘light’ made by the ‘Tide’, raising awareness of the importance of the circulation of new renewable energy and the tides of the West Sea. The park became a local landmark providing the local community with delight. With the Cultural Center supplying information including the operation, principles of the plant, the history of the lake, etc. Having attracted over 1 million visitors since the opening of the observatory in 2014, the Sihwa Power Plant has managed to improve its immediate surrounding and public access to the area. 

Maintenance:

The power plant is equipped with a state-of-the-art maintenance system, to mitigate the chance of any problems that could arise while the tidal generators are in operation, or during regular maintenance overhauls carried out every five years. The maintenance system consists of elaborately carried out routine, daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly, and full checkups, each with its respective equipment's and checklists. The full check up known as an overhaul consists of fully dismantling and reassembling the generators allowing for the replacement of worn out parts or mechanisms. Stop logs are installed to block the water allowing for the chambers to be completely drained. Maintenance crews enter the chambers to conduct an elaborate check on the conditions of the generators, looking closely for possible damage due to salts from the plants' frequent contact with seawater.