As of 2022, North Korea's electricity consumption demonstrated a noteworthy reliance on low-carbon sources, with more than half of its electricity being derived from green energy. Of the 63% low-carbon electricity, an overwhelming majority is sourced from hydropower, which accounts for approximately 63% of the share. On the other hand, fossil fuels contribute around 37% to the electricity mix, with coal making up almost all of this portion at roughly 35%. This significant dependence on hydropower signifies North Korea's substantial contribution to clean energy generation, despite its overarching electricity infrastructure challenges.
Is Electricity Growing in North Korea?
Electricity consumption in North Korea, however, has seen troubling declines over the past few decades. The latest per capita electricity consumption recorded in 2022 was approximately 1008 kWh per person, a significant drop from the peak consumption of 1707 kWh per person recorded in 1988. This represents a worrying decrease of 699 kWh per person. Specifically, in terms of low-carbon electricity, the 2022 figure stood at 636 kWh per person, down from the previous high of 739 kWh per person in 1990, revealing a concerning reduction of 103 kWh per person. The reduction underscores stagnation in growth, highlighting the imperative need for strategic initiatives to expand clean electricity generation.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, North Korea might draw inspiration from successful approaches in other regions. Countries like France and Slovakia achieve high nuclear electricity shares of about 68% and 62% respectively, while states such as Iowa and South Dakota excel in wind energy, generating approximately 63% and 59% of their electricity from wind. Integrating similar strategies could significantly benefit North Korea. Embracing nuclear energy as a reliable baseload power source and capitalizing on wind energy adoption where feasible are pathways toward a robust, clean electricity framework. Additionally, utilizing solar energy, as illustrated by countries like Lebanon at 31%, could further enhance North Korea's clean electricity stance.
History
Tracing the historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity in North Korea reveals fluctuating trends primarily influenced by hydropower. In the 1980s, there was a consistent increase in hydropower generation, with noticeable increments in 1981, 1985, 1986, and a more significant rise in 1988. The 1990s presented challenges, marked by consecutive declines from 1992 to 1997. After several years of fluctuations, hydropower experienced positive growth spurts in 2003 and sporadically through the years 2008, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2020, and notably in 2021. These shifts underline the volatile nature of relying heavily on hydropower, emphasizing the necessity to diversify low-carbon electricity sources to ensure stability and resilience in future electricity generation.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.