In 2022, the electricity landscape in North Korea was marked by a notable balance between clean and fossil energy sources. Over 60% of the country's electricity was derived from clean energy, with hydropower alone contributing to the lion's share of more than 60%. On the other hand, fossil fuels accounted for nearly 37% of the electricity generation, with coal being the dominant source within this category, contributing almost 35%. The reliance on clean energy in North Korea appears substantial when considering the global push towards sustainable energy, but there's significant room for diversification within the low-carbon mix and potential reduction of fossil fuel use to combat climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in North Korea?
Despite the dominance of low-carbon sources in its electricity mix, North Korea's overall electricity consumption has declined substantially compared to its historical peak. The current per capita electricity consumption stands at around 1,008 kWh, significantly lower than the 1,707 kWh recorded in 1988. Similarly, the low-carbon electricity generation per capita has also decreased from its peak of 739 kWh in 1990 to 636 kWh in recent years. This downward trend is concerning given the increasing global demand for electricity to support technological advancements and economic growth. It highlights the pressing need for North Korea to not only sustain but also expand its electricity generation capacity, focusing particularly on clean energy sources, to meet future demands and support sustainable development.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, North Korea can look toward successful examples from different regions around the world. Countries like France and Slovakia, which boast nuclear energy contributions of around 69% and 67% respectively, illustrate the potential for significant nuclear power integration in the energy mix. Similarly, states such as Iowa and South Dakota have effectively harnessed wind energy, generating over 50% of their electricity from this source. By investing in nuclear and wind energy technology, North Korea could substantially enhance its clean electricity generation. Furthermore, exploring solar energy options, as seen in Lebanon and Nevada, which generate around 30% of their electricity from solar, could provide an additional boost to their low-carbon energy capacity. Emulating these strategies could pave the way for a more dynamic and sustainable electricity sector in North Korea.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity development in North Korea shows a series of fluctuations primarily influenced by hydropower. In the 1980s, the country saw modest but consistent growth in hydropower generation. However, the 1990s marked a challenging period, with consecutive drops in hydroelectric output from 1992 onwards, reflecting a broader trend of inconsistency. The early 2000s brought slight improvements, but similar declines occurred later, with significant decreases in 2009 and 2015. Nonetheless, the late 2010s and early 2020s witnessed encouraging surges, notably in 2016 and 2021, fostering hope for future stability and growth in low-carbon generation. To achieve a robust and sustainable electricity sector, continuous investment and strategic advancements in clean energy technology are essential.
