Electricity in North Korea in 2022

In 2022, North Korea's electricity consumption leaned heavily on both low-carbon and fossil energy sources. More than half of the electricity, approximately 58%, was generated from low-carbon sources, with hydropower contributing almost entirely to this segment at nearly 58%. Meanwhile, fossil fuels accounted for roughly 42% of the electricity supply, dominated predominantly by coal at around 40%. This mix indicates a significant dependence on coal for electricity, which raises concerns about air pollution and climate change due to its high carbon emissions. Transitioning more towards clean energy would help mitigate these impacts and promote sustainable development.

Suggestions

North Korea can learn from several countries that have successfully enhanced their low-carbon electricity generation. Special focus can be given to nuclear energy, which has been a strong contributor to clean electricity in nations like Slovakia and Ukraine, producing 60% and 55% of their electricity, respectively, from this source. Given the economic and structural challenges similar to those faced by North Korea, these countries demonstrate that with strategic investments and policy decisions, nuclear power can become a backbone of a sustainable energy grid. Additionally, wind power offers another viable path, as evidenced by Denmark, where nearly 59% of electricity is generated through this clean source. Emulating these strategies could offer North Korea a way to increase its low-carbon electricity share, enhancing energy security and environmental sustainability.

History

Historically, North Korea has relied on its hydropower sector as a primary source of low-carbon electricity. In the 1980s, the sector experienced steady growth, with slight annual increases. However, the early 1990s marked a downturn, with notable declines, particularly in 1992 and 1993, which saw decreases in generation by almost 1 TWh each year. This trend continued sporadically, with additional significant losses in the late 1990s and mid-2010s. Despite some intermittent recoveries such as in 2016 and 2021, where there were noteworthy jumps in hydropower output, the inconsistency highlights the challenges faced by relying on a single low-carbon source. To build a more robust low-carbon electricity sector, North Korea may benefit from diversifying into nuclear and wind power, following the successful examples of other nations.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources