How will solar power help North Korea's rural communities?

Solar panels and wind turbines are off-grid energy sources, meaning that their generated energy will be able to power nearby rural communities rather than large military and industrial sites. This will be especially helpful to improve the living standards of North Korea’s rural residents.

Does North Korea have a power shortage?

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.

Is North Korea encouraging wind turbines?

Reports claim that the North Korean government is encouraging production plants to erect and make use of wind turbines. Prioritizing the development of off-grid renewable energy in North Korea will provide a more significant number of North Koreans with access to energy.

How do hydroelectric plants work in North Korea?

Hydroelectric plants do little to power rural areas; the North Korean government controls the available energy from hydropower and it prioritizes electrifying large military facilities over rural residential communities.

Should North Korea increase access to energy in rural communities?

As North Korea continues to invest in renewable energy sources, increasing access to energy in rural communities should be of special concern. The majority of North Korea’s population lives in rural areas, which are regions with scarce access to electricity and other energy supplies.

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.