What is North Korea's energy infrastructure?

This installment of our series on North Korea’s energy infrastructure will examine one of North Korea’s largest hydroelectric power installations: Huichon Power Stations No. 1 through 12. Construction of the system first started during the Kim Jong Il era and ended in the Kim Jong Un era.

Does North Korea have a power shortage?

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.

Will North Korea build 10 hydroelectric power stations downstream from Huichon?

In 2012, North Korea disclosed plans to build 10 new hydroelectric power stations downstream from the two Huichon power stations. The cascade system would see the power plants located one after another along the river and be powered by small dams.

Does North Korea have energy security challenges?

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.

What type of power is used in North Korea?

Hydropower is the dominant form of electricity generation in North Korea. The country’s numerous mountains and rivers make it an attractive choice for power generation. As noted in article one of this series, Statistics Korea estimates it accounted for 53 percent of all power generation, while Nautilus Institute put hydro at 76 percent.