In the recent twelve-month period from July 2024 to June 2025, South Korea's electricity consumption has seen a striking balance between fossil and clean energy sources. More than half of the electricity, approximately 55%, is generated from fossil sources, primarily coal and gas, both contributing roughly equally to this figure at around 27% each. On the cleaner side, low-carbon electricity represents about 43% of the total consumption. A significant portion of this comes from nuclear energy, which contributes nearly a third of the total electricity generation. Solar and biofuels add about 6% and 2% respectively, while hydropower's contribution remains quite small, reflecting close to none in the larger scheme of electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in South Korea?
Though it is crucial to celebrate any progress in clean energy, the growth of electricity consumption in South Korea displays a complex picture. Electricity consumption per person was recorded at 11,232 kWh in 2025, underscoring a disappointing drop from the previous high of 11,427 kWh seen in 2018. This decrease of 195 kWh/person underlines a need for renewed efforts to expand electricity consumption given the increasing demand due to electrification and technological advancements. Encouragingly, the low-carbon segment shows positive growth with nuclear and clean sources now producing 209 kWh/person more than the prior record from 2024, bringing it to 4,814 kWh per person. This assertive growth of nuclear and other low-carbon sources is pivotal in tackling climate change and ensuring a sustainable energy future.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, South Korea should focus on expanding its strong nuclear capacity which already contributes around a third of the country's electricity. Emulating successful regions in nuclear energy can offer valuable insights; for instance, France produces a substantial 70% of its electricity via nuclear, whereas Ukraine also utilizes nuclear to generate more than half of its electricity. Additionally, solar energy holds immense potential; looking at regions like California and Nevada where solar makes up to 29% and 33% of electricity generation respectively could provide strategic approaches. These regions serve as exemplary models in achieving significant low-carbon energy feats, illustrating pathways that South Korea can pursue to enrich its own clean energy portfolio.
History
Low-carbon electricity in South Korea has undergone significant shifts historically. In the late 1980s and 1990s, nuclear power marked substantial growth with the most remarkable years, such as 1998 and 1999, showing increases by over 12 TWh annually. Entering the new millennium, there were sporadic increases, though the 2010s saw some troubling declines around 2013 and 2017 with reductions of 11.5 TWh and 13.6 TWh, respectively. Yet, the past few years have been encouraging as the tide turned with a substantial uplift evident in 2022's 17.2 TWh rise and again in recent years. Boosting nuclear and other sustainable sources remains a strategic priority to ensure new records of clean electricity generation are consistently set throughout this decade and beyond.
