How a Polluted Lake Became South Korea’s Tidal Energy Powerhouse
South Korea’s Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant has transformed a once-polluted lake into a major renewable energy source. Completed in 2011, the facility now generates enough electricity to power half a million homes each year. Its success has also revived the lake’s ecosystem and attracted more migratory birds to the area.
The plant was built to fix severe pollution caused by an earlier freshwater conversion project. Before its construction, Sihwa Lake suffered from high chemical oxygen demand, measured at 17.4 mg/L in 1997. By 2021, this figure had dropped to just 2.2 mg/L, thanks to daily tidal exchanges that flush the lake with seawater.
The facility harnesses tidal differences twice a day, producing 552 gigawatt-hours annually. Operators rely on the lunar calendar to maximise output, particularly during full moon tides. AI systems also calculate daily tidal changes to optimise electricity generation.
In 2022, K-water signed a 10-year deal with Samsung Electronics to supply all the plant’s power. The company has also partnered with Hyundai Engineering & Construction for a 20-year collaboration. Beyond Sihwa, K-water plans to expand tidal energy production, including a potential new plant in Saemangeum, North Jeolla. The goal is to develop water-based energy equivalent to 10 nuclear plants by 2030.
The plant’s impact extends beyond energy. Seawater circulation has improved water quality, and the number of natural monuments—protected species—observed at the lake more than doubled between 2005 and 2020. Today, Sihwa Lake serves as a vital stopover for migratory birds.
The Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant now stands as a model for sustainable energy and environmental recovery. Its combination of clean electricity, restored water quality, and wildlife benefits demonstrates how renewable infrastructure can address multiple challenges. With further expansion planned, tidal power is set to play a larger role in South Korea’s energy future.
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