HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has secured the winning bid for the decommissioning project of units 4-6 at the Ulsan fuel oil power plant, as announced on January 4.
These units, operational since 1980, were the nation's largest fuel oil power plant, boasting a capacity of 1200㎿. Initially contributing around 15 percent to total domestic power generation, they were shut down in February 2022 after 41 years of operation.
The decommissioning initiative targets the removal of machinery, control facilities, three 400MW turbines, concrete structures, and steel frames. The selection of the successful bidder was determined through a comprehensive evaluation bidding system, considering construction capability, the proposed plan, and bid price. HJSC emerged as the highest bidder with KRW 57.5 billion (VAT included). The construction is slated for completion in March 2026, spanning 27 months.
HJSC, a multinational construction company, is concurrently engaged in various power plant projects, such as the Boryeong New Combined Unit Cycle Unit 1, Shinsejong Combined Cycle Power Plant, and Gangneung Anin Coal-fired Power Plant. Notably, it recently finalized the construction of the Yangsan Community Energy Plant in August of the preceding year.
The company's global presence is underscored by its successful construction of power plants in multiple locations across the country, including Yangju, Byeongnae, Chuncheon, and Seocheon, showcasing its extensive construction achievements and advanced technology that contributed to winning the Ulsan bid.
Aligned with the Korean government's strategic plans outlined in the 10th Master Plan for Long-term Electricity Supply and Demand revealed in January 2023, the downsizing and closure of aging thermal power plants are on the agenda. Anticipated in the first half of the year is the launch of the decommissioning project for units 1 and 2 at the Honam coal-fired power plant, aligning with the government's commitment to modernize the energy landscape.
An official from HJSC said, “Based on our extensive power plant construction knowhow and advanced technology, we are going to decommission the Ulsan fuel oil power plant units 4-6 successfully.” He continued, “We will keep focusing on inning more bids based on such excellence.”
