Electricity in North Korea in 2022

In 2022, North Korea's electricity consumption was characterized by a considerable dependence on hydropower and coal. The country generated more than half of its electricity, around 58%, from low-carbon sources, almost entirely from hydropower. This reliance on hydropower positions North Korea favorably in terms of low-carbon electricity generation. However, fossil fuels still played a significant role, accounting for about 42% of the electricity generated, with coal being the predominant fossil source at 40%. The reliance on coal poses challenges due to its environmental impact, emphasizing the need to transition towards cleaner energy sources.

Suggestions

North Korea can further enhance its low-carbon electricity generation by learning from other countries that have successfully implemented nuclear and wind energy solutions. For instance, Slovakia and Ukraine have effectively harnessed nuclear power, with more than half of their electricity coming from this source. Similarly, countries like Denmark and Lithuania have achieved impressive results by investing in wind power, generating nearly 60% and 34% of their electricity from wind, respectively. North Korea could benefit from diversifying its energy portfolio by exploring nuclear and wind energy technologies, which would not only improve its energy security but also reduce the detrimental environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel reliance.

History

Historically, North Korea's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced fluctuations, largely driven by changes in hydropower output. During the 1980s, there were steady increments in hydropower generation, while the 1990s marked a period of significant declines, with notable reductions occurring in 1992, 1993, and from 1996 to 1997. The early 21st century saw a mix of ups and downs, with minor increases in 2003, 2010, 2016, and a substantial gain in 2021, followed by a significant drop in 2022. To ensure a more stable and sustainable electricity supply, North Korea could benefit from integrating diverse low-carbon technologies, ensuring consistent growth in its clean energy capacity.

Electrification

We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources