In North Korea, the landscape of electricity consumption in 2022 shows a significant dependence on low-carbon sources, with over 60% of its electricity generated from clean sources, predominantly hydropower. Hydropower alone accounts for slightly more than 60% of the electricity mix, emphasizing its crucial role in the nation's energy profile. Meanwhile, fossil fuels contribute almost 37% to the electricity supply, with coal being the primary fossil fuel source, making up closer to 35% of the total consumption. This blend of low-carbon and fossil sources highlights a relatively green electricity generation profile compared to many other countries, yet there remains a substantial dependence on coal that presents environmental challenges.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in North Korea?
The trend of electricity consumption in North Korea reveals a concerning decline in overall usage per person. The latest data from 2022 shows a per capita consumption of just over 1000 kWh, a stark decrease of nearly 700 kWh from the previous record set in 1988. Similarly, low-carbon electricity consumption per person also dropped since its peak in 1990, with current figures trailing behind by around 100 kWh. These decreases indicate a reduction in both total and clean electricity consumption, which is disappointing given the importance of electrification for development and sustainability. The stagnation in electricity consumption, particularly in clean energy, requires urgent attention to support future economic growth and environmental goals.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation in North Korea, exploring successful strategies from other regions can be beneficial. Countries such as France and Slovakia demonstrate a successful reliance on nuclear energy, contributing around two-thirds of their electricity, underscoring the potential for nuclear energy expansion. Meanwhile, regions like Denmark and states such as Iowa and South Dakota have harnessed wind power efficiently, achieving levels close to 60%. Similarly, the potential for solar energy is visible in states like Nevada and California, where it contributes around 30% of the electricity mix. By diversifying and expanding its low-carbon energy sources, North Korea can mitigate its reliance on coal and reduce environmental impacts, providing cleaner, sustainable electricity for the future.
History
The historical journey of low-carbon electricity generation in North Korea, largely dominated by hydropower, has seen several fluctuations over the decades. During the early 1980s, there was a steady rise, with a slight gain in hydropower capacity each year. However, starting from the early 1990s, the country experienced a series of significant declines, with notable reductions in hydroelectric generation throughout the decade. The years following 2000 saw occasional rebounds and further losses, portraying a mixed but predominantly unstable trend. Encouraging spikes were noted in the early 2000s and as recently as 2021, suggesting potential but uneven growth. For a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply, it is critical for North Korea to stabilize and expand its clean energy capabilities, particularly through nuclear and solar energy leveraging the lessons from other nations.
