Electricity in North Korea in 2022
Global Ranking:
#74
57.9% #61 Low-carbon electricity
846.22
kWh #153 Generation / person
In 2022, North Korea's electricity consumption was significantly powered by low-carbon sources, making up almost 58% of the total. Hydropower was the dominant low-carbon contributor, accounting for about 57.5% of electricity generation. On the other hand, fossil fuels provided roughly 42% of the electricity consumed, with coal being the primary source at nearly 40%. This shows a substantial reliance on coal, negatively impacting the environment through high carbon emissions and pollution.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, North Korea could take cues from other countries that have successfully integrated various clean energy sources. For instance, France and Slovakia have demonstrated the effective use of nuclear power, generating around 67% and 60% of their electricity from this source, respectively. Similarly, Denmark excels in harnessing wind energy, meeting 61% of its electricity needs through wind. By learning from these examples, North Korea can diversify its energy mix, potentially developing its nuclear and wind power sectors, which could significantly reduce dependency on coal and curb environmental degradation.
History
Historically, North Korea's low-carbon electricity generation has fluctuated, primarily relying on hydropower. In the 1980s, there were steady increments in hydroelectric capacity, particularly in 1981, 1985, 1986, and 1988. However, the 1990s saw notable declines with reductions in 1992, 1993, 1996, and 1997. The early 2000s experienced growth with a significant increase in 2003, though it was not sustained through the decade. More recently, there have been some notable changes, such as increments in 2016, 2020, and 2021, but setbacks in certain years like 2015, 2017, 2019, and particularly in 2022 with a decline of 3.3 TWh. This history highlights the potential instability of over-reliance on hydropower and underscores the need for a more diversified clean energy portfolio.
Electricity Imports and Exports
Balance of Trade
Data Sources