North Korea’s Energy Sector

Preface

North Korea suffers from chronic energy shortages. Rolling blackouts are common, even in the nation’s capital, while some of the poorest citizens receive state-provided electricity only once a year. Some energy initiatives, such as the construction of large hydropower plants, have taken decades to complete, and sources like tidal power remain grossly underutilized. Access to solar panels has created capacity where the state falls short, but the overall energy security challenges facing the nation are daunting.

This report, “North Korea’s Energy Sector,” is a compilation of articles published on 38 North in 2023 that surveyed North Korea’s energy production facilities and infrastructure. It leverages commercial satellite imagery, insights from North Korean state media, and other reports and anecdotal evidence to help inform public understanding of the country’s energy landscape and the challenges it faces in trying to better meet the needs of its people.

This research was made possible by generous support from the UniKorea Foundation.

View and download the compilation here.

The series is available on www.38north.org, and individual pieces are linked below:

• North Korea’s Energy Sector: Defining the Landscape
• A Fresh Look at North Korea at Night
• North Korea’s Energy Sector: State Solar Electricity Research and Manufacturing
• North Korea’s Energy Sector: Notable Solar Installations
• North Korea’s Energy Sector: Solar in Government and Telecommunications
• North Korea’s Energy Sector: Solar in Manufacturing
• North Korea’s Energy Sector: Solar in Agriculture
• North Korea’s Energy Sector: Civilian Solar Power
• North Korea’s Energy Sector: Hydropower Stations and Policy
• North Korea’s Energy Sector: New and Local Hydropower
• North Korea’s Energy Sector: Unrealized Wind and Tidal Power Potential