In 2022, over half of North Korea's electricity consumption came from low-carbon sources, accounting for approximately 63% of the total electricity generated. The predominant type of clean energy in the country was hydropower, contributing to almost the entire share of low-carbon electricity at 62.5%. In contrast, fossil fuels, primarily coal, made up roughly 37% of North Korea's electricity consumption. The heavy reliance on coal signals a significant impact on air quality and climate change, underscoring an urgent need for increased green energy adoption to mitigate these adverse effects.
Is Electricity Growing in North Korea?
North Korea's electricity consumption has experienced a significant decline over the years. The latest data from 2022 indicates an electricity consumption of about 1008 kWh per person, a substantial decrease from the peak of 1707 kWh per person in 1988. This decline highlights a worryingly stagnant electricity sector, with low-carbon electricity witnessing a similar reduction. The 2022 low-carbon electricity generation was 636 kWh per person, lower than its highest output of 739 kWh per person in 1990, emphasizing the need for renewed emphasis on sustainable electricity growth to meet future demands driven by electrification.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, North Korea can draw inspiration from countries like France, Slovakia, and Ukraine, where nuclear energy generates over half of their electricity. These nations demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of nuclear power in achieving a clean energy transition. By investing in nuclear and solar energy, North Korea could significantly increase its share of low-carbon electricity generation. Other countries like Denmark and Uruguay have shown success in wind energy, and while less applicable due to differing geographical conditions, such strategies still highlight diversifying sources as pivotal for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and fostering a sustainable energy future.
History
Reflecting on North Korea's history of low-carbon electricity, the country saw notable advances in the 1980s, with positive growth in hydroelectric power each year during that period. This progress, however, was interrupted in the early 1990s and late 2000s with several years of declining output. The late 2010s and early 2020s witnessed some recovery, most notably in 2021 with the largest gain of 3.3 TWh. Despite occasional spurts of progress, the trajectory has been unstable, calling for consistent investments and governmental commitment to enhance sustainable electricity generation and secure the country's energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.