In 2022, electricity consumption in North Korea was predominantly derived from low-carbon sources. Low-carbon electricity accounted for over 60% of the total consumption, with hydropower making up the vast majority of this category, contributing more than 60%. Conversely, fossil fuel energy notched a slightly smaller portion, representing almost 37% of the electricity mix, with coal being the principal fossil fuel, contributing nearly 35%. These figures reflect a substantial reliance on hydropower, showcasing North Korea's emphasis on clean energy sources despite the presence of fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in North Korea?
Electricity consumption per person in North Korea has seen a significant decline compared to past decades. The latest statistic from 2022 indicates a consumption rate of about 1008 kilowatt-hours per individual, a stark reduction of nearly 700 kWh/person from the peak in 1988. Moreover, low-carbon electricity generation per capita also decreased by over 100 kWh/person when compared to its highest record in 1990. This downward trend in both overall and low-carbon electricity usage suggests that electricity consumption is not currently on the rise in North Korea, which is concerning given the global push towards increasing clean energy and meeting future demands.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, North Korea can learn from other regions that have successfully integrated a diverse mix of clean energy sources. For instance, countries like France and Slovakia derive a substantial amount of their electricity from nuclear power, with over 65% contributions. Similarly, in terms of wind power, Denmark leads with 60% from this source. Adopting a strategy to develop nuclear and wind energy could help North Korea diversify its clean energy portfolio, thereby increasing its share of low-carbon electricity and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity landscape.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in North Korea has been primarily shaped by fluctuations in hydropower. In the early 1980s and late 2000s, there were periods of growth in hydroelectric generation, such as in 1981, 1985, and 1986, with steady increments. However, the early 1990s and late 2010s recorded notable declines, marked by a decrease of over 0.8 TWh annually. A particularly sharp decline occurred in 2015 with a drop of 3 TWh. Despite these downturns, subsequent years saw a rebound, especially in 2021 when there was an increase of over 3 TWh. This volatile pattern underscores the need for a more stable and diverse low-carbon electricity infrastructure, with nuclear and solar energy emerging as reliable complements to hydropower.
