In 2022, North Korea's electricity consumption profile remained dominated by low-carbon energy sources, accounting for more than half of its total electricity generation. Hydropower stood out as the primary source of clean energy, contributing nearly all of the low-carbon electricity generation with around 63% of the total supply. On the other hand, fossil fuel sources, particularly coal, provided for nearly a third of the energy needs of the country. This dependence on fossil fuels raises concerns over emissions, but the significant portion of electricity sourced from low-carbon methods indicates a potential foundation for building a cleaner, more sustainable energy grid in North Korea.
Is Electricity Growing in North Korea?
Examining the electricity consumption trend in North Korea, it is evident that the nation is facing challenges in growing its per capita electricity consumption. In 2022, the consumption was recorded at 1008 kWh/person, reflecting a significant decline from the historical peak of 1707 kWh/person in 1988. This marks a reduction of approximately 699 kWh/person. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation displays a similar trend. The latest figure of 636 kWh/person, which is mostly derived from hydropower, falls short of the historic high of 739 kWh/person in 1990, indicating a 103 kWh/person decline. These declines indicate a stagnation in overall growth and suggest potential areas for improvement in energy policy and infrastructure development.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity, North Korea could look to regions with successful implementations of both nuclear and wind or solar energy. For instance, France and Slovakia have impressively high shares of nuclear power at 69% and 64%, respectively, providing a roadmap for adopting and expanding nuclear energy. Meanwhile, states like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind power accounts for more than 60% of electricity generation, provide an example of effective wind energy integration. Additionally, the implementation of solar power, as seen in Lebanon at 31% and Nevada at 29%, could offer North Korea viable templates for diversifying its energy portfolio with solar power alongside expanding its current hydropower capacity.
History
North Korea's history of low-carbon electricity generation, predominantly through hydropower, has seen periods of expansion and decline over the decades. The early 1980s to the late 1980s marked an upward trend with steady increments, while the early 1990s experienced setbacks, as evidenced by notable declines in 1992 and 1993, resulting in reduced output. The mid to late 1990s continued this downward trajectory until the early 2000s, when growth resumed with gains in 2003 and 2008. However, fluctuations persisted, including a significant rise in 2010, a sharp drop in 2015, and a promising growth wave from 2020 to 2021. These historical shifts demonstrate both progress and volatility, underscoring the need for consistent investment and policy support in clean energy infrastructures to ensure sustainable growth in the future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.