The current state of electricity consumption in North Korea heavily leans towards low-carbon sources, specifically hydropower, which accounts for more than half of the total electricity generation. Hydropower itself makes up almost all of the low-carbon electricity in the country, constituting slightly over 62%. On the other hand, fossil energy sources, primarily coal, contribute about 37% to the overall electricity mix. This shows a significant reliance on clean energy, yet coal, a major contributor to climate change and air pollution, still holds a substantial share of electricity generation.

Is Electricity Growing in North Korea?

Unfortunately, North Korea's electricity growth is not on an upward trajectory. In fact, there is a stark decline in per capita electricity consumption, from a peak of 1707 kWh in 1988 to 1008 kWh in 2022. This decrease of almost 700 kWh per person is concerning, as economic development and quality of life are often closely tied to energy availability. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation per person has also fallen by over 100 kWh compared to its earlier peak in 1990. This signals a pressing need for not just more electricity, but more sustainable electricity, to address future demands and societal needs effectively.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity production, North Korea could learn from regions leading in nuclear and solar energy. For instance, France and Slovakia have embraced nuclear energy, generating approximately two-thirds of their electricity from this clean source. Emulating these countries, North Korea can establish a robust nuclear energy infrastructure. Similarly, incorporating solar energy, as seen in Nevada and California where solar contributes to a substantial portion of their electricity, could harness North Korea's solar potential. By focusing on these proven clean energy solutions, North Korea can create a sustainable electricity future that reduces dependence on fossil fuels and addresses climate challenges.

History

In the early years, North Korea showed intermittent growth in hydropower, with small increases observed in the 1980s. However, the 1990s and early 2000s witnessed several declines in hydropower generation, leading to negative growth periods. The hydropower sector began to recover modestly in the mid-2000s, showing slight increases, but faced fluctuations that continued into the 2010s. Notably, 2021 marks a significant achievement, with a remarkable gain in hydropower. For long-term electricity stability, it's essential for North Korea to stabilize and increase this upwards trend and expand into broader low-carbon sources like nuclear and solar to ensure steady, reliable power.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade