In South Korea, electricity consumption over the period from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a clear picture of the energy composition. Fossil fuels continue to play a significant role, contributing to more than half of the electricity generation, with coal at around 29% and gas at about 26%. On the cleaner side, low-carbon energy sources collectively account for over 41% of the electricity mix. Nuclear energy makes up almost a third of the total electricity generation, representing a substantial portion of South Korea's clean energy supply. Solar power, while still a small part at nearly 7%, complements hydropower (around 1%) and biofuels (approximately 2%), highlighting the nation's ongoing efforts to diversify its low-carbon electricity sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in South Korea?
South Korea's overall electricity consumption has experienced a slight decline recently. In 2025, electricity consumption was approximately 11,247 kWh per person—falling short of the 2018 record of 11,427 kWh per person, marking a decrease of 181 kWh per person. However, there is a silver lining when considering the shift towards low-carbon energy. The consumption of low-carbon electricity set a new record in 2025 at 4,646 kWh per person, surpassing the previous high in 2024 by roughly 41 kWh per person. This milestone is a testament to the dedication to increasing clean energy usage, despite the slight decrease in total electricity consumption.
Suggestions
Looking forward, South Korea has great potential to expand its low-carbon electricity generation even further. Strengthening nuclear capacity is a logical step, given its current significant contribution to the electricity mix. Additionally, South Korea could benefit by learning from other regions with similar successful strategies. For instance, France generates 70% of its electricity from nuclear power, showing the potential of embracing nuclear as a dominant clean energy source. Furthermore, tapping into more solar power, as seen with Lebanon's 31% solar contribution, can substantially increase South Korea's green electricity capacity. By following these examples, South Korea could significantly decrease its reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate its transition towards a more sustainable electricity future.
History
Historically, South Korea has been proactive in increasing its nuclear electricity generation, particularly from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s. Notable surges in nuclear capacity took place in years such as 1986, 1999, and 2005, each marked by considerable increases of over 10 TWh. However, a troubling phase of decreases occurred in the mid-2010s, with declines noted in 2013, 2017, and especially in 2018, when nuclear generation experienced substantial drops. Thankfully, since 2019, South Korea has witnessed a resurgence in nuclear energy growth, culminating in a significant uptick in 2022. This historical emphasis on nuclear energy is encouraging, suggesting that with continued focus, South Korea can bolster its low-carbon electricity generation and pave the way for a greener future.
