Construction of two independent shared energy storage power stations in north korea begins

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.

What are North Korea's recent power station projects?

In the next installments, we will examine some of North Korea’s recent power station projects, including the Orangchon Power Station, which was recently completed after 40 years of work, and North Korea’s latest policy of small-scale hydro stations to serve local communities.

How does North Korea generate electricity?

Today, the construction of smaller-scale hydropower stations is the main focus of North Korea’s electric generation sector, and numerous projects are taking place across the country. Based on state media reporting, the power being generated is largely used in the region around each power station, helping to even out national power differences.

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.

Why did North Korea build a hydroelectric power station?

At first glance, North Korea’s mountainous terrain and numerous riverine systems would seem ideal for hydroelectric power production, and it was the vision of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il which drove the country to undertake the construction of large-scale hydroelectric power station dams.

How does a power station work in North Korea?

The No. 2 station feeds from the water that flows through the dam and the larger station, and this arrangement, according to North Korean media, means it “can operate a generator even in the dry season by using the water from the army-people power station and mountain streams.”