As of 2022, North Korea's electricity generation heavily relies on low-carbon sources, with more than half, or approximately 63%, of their electricity coming from such sources. A significant portion of this is generated from hydropower, contributing about 63% to the total electricity mix. On the other hand, fossil fuels, predominantly coal, provide close to 37% of North Korea's electricity. This reliance on coal and other fossil fuels poses environmental challenges, including air pollution and contributing to climate change. Encouragingly, North Korea's focus on low-carbon energy, particularly hydropower, showcases a commitment to cleaner electricity generation. Yet, there remains considerable room for expanding other low-carbon technologies like solar and nuclear energies to ensure sustainable development and reductions in carbon emissions.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in North Korea?
Despite North Korea's significant current reliance on low-carbon electricity, the general trend in electricity consumption is concerning, as the numbers have declined since their peak in 1988. The total electricity consumption per person in 2022 was approximately 1008 kWh, marking a stark decrease from the historical record of 1707 kWh per person in 1988. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation, at 636 kWh per person, is also down from its previous peak of 739 kWh per person in 1990. This stagnation in electricity growth can be detrimental to the country's socio-economic advancement and illustrates an urgent need for strategies and initiatives to revitalize the electricity sector, especially focusing on sustainable, clean energy.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, North Korea could draw inspiration from successful regions around the world. Introducing nuclear power like in France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy contributes a substantial 67% and 66% respectively, could help increase electricity supply significantly. Similarly, developing solar power can be insightful by looking at states like California, where solar power provides 31% of electricity, or Nevada with 34%, showcasing the effectiveness of this clean technology. Combining efforts in expanding both nuclear and solar energy would not only enhance North Korea's electricity growth but also secure a sustainable and low-carbon future. Taking cues from these models can enable North Korea to diversify its energy portfolio and significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
History
Examining North Korea's historical trajectory with low-carbon electricity, it's clear that the 1980s marked a phase of gradual increase in hydroelectric power, with increments in 1981, 1985, 1986, and a higher increase in 1988. However, the early 1990s ushered in a period of significant declines in hydropower generation, notably in 1992 and 1993, with further significant drops in 1996 and 1997. Following the turn of the century, some recovery came sporadically, with noticeable increases in hydro power in 2003, 2008, and more substantially in 2016 and 2021. However, these gains were periodically offset by reductions, such as those in 2009, 2014, and 2019. The fluctuations in hydroelectric generation reveal a need for more consistent investment and strategies to stabilize and perhaps diversify the low-carbon electricity landscape in North Korea, ensuring deficits are countered and sustainability is prioritized in future energy policies.
