Unit 1 of the Taean coal‑fired power plant is shutting down Wednesday, ending three decades of electricity production as South Korea accelerates its transition away from coal.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said a ceremony marking the closure will be held Wednesday morning at the Taean power station, which is operated by Korea Western Power.

The 500‑megawatt unit, completed in June 1995, has generated a cumulative 118‑thousand gigawatt‑hours of electricity over its 30 years of operation.

The ministry said it will support a job transition without layoffs by redeploying 129 workers, including employees of Korea Western Power and partner companies.

Climate, Energy and Environment Minister Kim Sung‑hwan said the shutdown marks a new starting point in the country’s response to the climate crisis and pursuit of carbon neutrality, calling it a milestone toward an energy transition centered on renewable sources.