In 2025, South Korea's electricity consumption is significantly reliant on fossil fuels, with more than half of its electricity being generated from these sources. Coal contributes nearly a third, while gas accounts for over a quarter of the fossil-based electricity. On the cleaner side of the spectrum, low-carbon energy makes up a solid portion of the electricity landscape, at over 40%. Nuclear power is the dominant source of low-carbon electricity, producing almost a third of the total electricity. In contrast, solar power contributes almost 7%, while biofuels and hydropower collectively make up a small fraction of the electricity mix. This reliance on low-carbon sources highlights South Korea's ongoing commitment to greening its electricity generation and reducing the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels, which are known contributors to climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in South Korea?
Despite this positive share of low-carbon electricity, the overall electricity consumption in South Korea has seen a slight decline when compared to its 2018 peak. As of 2025, total electricity consumption stands at over 11,200 kWh per person, reflecting a minor decrease of 182 kWh from 2018's high. However, the output from low-carbon generation sources has reached a new high, now providing 4,623 kWh per person, an incremental increase from the previous year. This trend indicates a steady growth in low-carbon electricity production, albeit amidst an overall shrinking electricity consumption landscape. The data suggests room for improvement in boosting total electricity consumption, crucial for supporting advancements in electrification and AI technologies.
Suggestions
Looking ahead, South Korea could greatly benefit from expanding its existing nuclear capabilities, given i's significant contribution to the current electricity mix as a reliable low-carbon source. By taking cues from countries like France and Slovakia, both of which derive more than 65% of their electricity from nuclear energy, South Korea can bolster its clean electricity contribution. Additionally, learning from states like California and countries like Lebanon, which have made significant strides in solar energy, can further accelerate South Korea's transition to a more sustainable energy future. Increasing investments in these areas can help South Korea maintain its commitment to low-carbon electricity while also driving overall consumption growth to meet future demands.
History
Historically, South Korea has consistently increased its low-carbon electricity generation, especially through nuclear energy. The late 1980s through the early 2000s saw consistent nuclear expansion, with notable growth years such as 1998 and 1999, which added more than 12 TWh of nuclear electricity each. Despite facing some setbacks in the early to mid-2010s, nuclear power saw a robust recovery from 2019 onward, especially in 2022, with an increase of over 17 TWh compared to previous years. This pattern signifies South Korea's resilience in augmenting its low-carbon electricity portfolio through nuclear power, a key strategy in its quest for sustainable energy independence and reduced fossil fuel dependency. This commitment lays a solid foundation for future efforts to further expand nuclear and other low-carbon technologies to meet both domestic and global clean energy goals.
