In the period from July 2024 to June 2025, South Korea's electricity consumption has predominantly depended on fossil fuels, which account for just over half of the country's electricity mix. Coal and gas are almost equally significant contributors, each nearly making up 27% of the consumption. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources make up a bit less than half of the supply, with nuclear power being the leading contributor to this group, generating over 32% of the electricity. Other clean energy sources like solar and hydropower provide smaller contributions, with solar generating about 6%, and hydropower barely surpassing 1%. Among the low-carbon sources, biofuels contribute just above 2%, showcasing a diverse yet limited presence in the overall energy mix.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in South Korea?
The question of whether electricity consumption is growing in South Korea reveals a slightly mixed picture. The latest data from 2025 indicate that electricity consumption per capita stands at 11,232 kWh, demonstrating a slight decline from the historic peak of 11,427 kWh back in 2018. However, there is a glimmer of optimism when one narrows the focus to low-carbon electricity generation, which set a record high this year at 4,814 kWh per person, an increase from the previous record in 2024. This reflects a growing effort to shift towards clean energy even if the overall electricity consumption is not currently increasing.
Suggestions
To enhance the production of low-carbon electricity, South Korea should consider expanding its nuclear capabilities, which already form a substantial part of its energy profile. Learning from successful examples worldwide, South Korea can look to France and Slovakia, where nuclear power forms 68% and 67% of their electricity mixes, respectively. Additionally, solar energy presents a promising opportunity for expansion. By taking insights from regions like California and Lebanon, where solar constitutes nearly one-third of their electricity, South Korea can optimize its solar potential. Together, these strategies can solidify the nation’s transition toward a cleaner electricity future.
History
Historically, nuclear energy in South Korea has experienced significant growth, especially during periods like the late 1990s and early 2000s. Major developments were recorded in 1998 and 1999 with notable increases of around 12.6 and 13.4 TWh, respectively. However, some setbacks were noticeable in the earlier part of the 2010s, specifically in 2013 and 2017, where generation saw a decrease of approximately 11.5 and 13.6 TWh. Nonetheless, a rebound occurred in the following years, marked by considerable increases, namely a rise by 17.6 TWh in 2014. The latest years have continued this positive trend, as seen in 2022 and 2024, culminating in a sustained addition in 2025, reinforcing nuclear’s vital role in South Korea’s clean energy strategy.
