Voltage in North Korea

The electricity supply network in North Korea is largely underdeveloped, with a total installed capacity of around 7,000 MW as of 2021. The country relies heavily on coal-fired power plants, which account for most of the installed capacity. Hydroelectric power also plays a role in the electricity mix, with several large dams providing power to the country’s grid.

Despite its potential for hydroelectric power, North Korea’s electricity supply network faces significant challenges. The country’s isolation from the international community, combined with a lack of investment in infrastructure and resources, has resulted in an ageing electricity supply network with limited capacity.

Reliability of the Supply Network

The reliability of the electricity supply network in North Korea is a major concern. The country’s ageing infrastructure, limited resources, and isolation from the international community have resulted in frequent power outages and voltage fluctuations.

These power outages can significantly impact the country’s population, particularly in winter when temperatures drop below freezing. Power outages often impact hospitals, schools, and other critical infrastructure, and the country’s agricultural sector also suffers due to the lack of reliable electricity.

Investing in the Network

Despite the challenges facing the electricity supply network in North Korea, the government has made some efforts to improve the network’s reliability. The country has signed several agreements with neighbouring countries to develop regional power grids, and there have been some investments in new generation capacity, transmission and distribution infrastructure, and renewable energy sources such as solar power.

However, these investments have been limited in scope, and the country’s isolation from the international community and limited resources continue to hinder the development of a reliable and robust electricity supply network.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the electricity supply network in North Korea faces significant challenges in terms of reliability and accessibility. The country’s isolation from the international community and limited resources has resulted in an underdeveloped, ageing infrastructure with limited capacity. While the government has tried to address these challenges, more significant infrastructure, resources, and technology investments will be needed to improve the network’s reliability and support sustainable economic growth and development.