South Korea reduces its dependence on fossil fuels below 50%

In April 2025, fossil fuels represented 49.5% of South Korea's electricity mix, dropping below the symbolic threshold of 50% for the first time, primarily due to a historic decline in coal-generated electricity production.

Partagez:

For the first time since records began, the share of fossil fuels in South Korea’s electricity generation has fallen below the 50% mark, according to the latest data from the specialised think tank Ember. In April 2025, fossil fuels provided 49.5% of the national electricity supply, equivalent to 21.8 terawatt hours (TWh), marking a decrease compared to the previous record set in May 2024, at 50.4% (22.6 TWh). This notable decline is primarily explained by a decrease in coal-fired electricity generation, which fell to a historically low level of 18.5% of total electricity output (8.2 TWh). Previously, coal accounted for a significantly higher share of South Korea’s electricity mix, peaking at 30% for the full year of 2024.

Significant decrease in coal-generated electricity production

The decline in coal-generated electricity production is particularly marked in annual comparison: coal production in April 2025 was 36% lower than in April 2021. This decrease directly impacted emissions from the electricity sector, estimated at 6.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in April 2025, a reduction of 37% compared to levels recorded four years earlier. However, South Korea remains above the global average, with five tonnes of CO₂ per capita generated by the electricity sector in 2024—nearly three times the global average, according to Ember. National electricity demand, meanwhile, remained relatively stable at 44 TWh in April 2025, a slight increase of 1.4% compared to 43.4 TWh in April 2024.

Accelerated solar development and resurgence in nuclear power

The decline in fossil fuels in South Korea’s electricity mix coincides with a significant rise in photovoltaic solar generation. In April 2025, solar electricity production reached a record high of 9.2% (4 TWh) of the national electricity mix, an increase compared to the previous record of 8.7% set in May 2024. This growth is driven by a recent acceleration in new photovoltaic installations: between January and May 2025, 1.56 gigawatts (GW) were installed, 61% more than in the same period in 2024 (0.97 GW). This momentum breaks with two previous years of slowing photovoltaic capacity additions.

At the same time, nuclear electricity generation showed a substantial increase, representing 36.2% (15.9 TWh) of the electricity mix in April 2025, compared to 33.6% (14.6 TWh) in April 2024 and 31.1% (13.6 TWh) in April 2023. This progression mechanically increased downward pressure on fossil fuel sources in the electricity sector.

International positioning and future energy challenges

While the decline in fossil fuels in South Korea’s electricity mix aligns with an international trend, the country still lags behind in the large-scale deployment of certain renewable technologies, particularly wind power and battery storage. Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC), a South Korean organisation specialising in energy policy analysis, particularly highlights the need for Seoul to strengthen its renewable energy capacities to further reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels. The central issue remains the pace of integration of these renewable technologies into an electricity system historically dominated by fossil fuels.

  • Populaires ​
Egypt launches $200mn industrial solar complex at Ain Sokhna
Mexco Energy reports 27% increase in annual profit
Argentina and Peru strengthen cooperation in civil nuclear sector
Algeria and Angola strengthen energy cooperation at US–Africa summit
Plenitude and Modine launch 1.585 MWp solar power plant in Italy
Renewable energy: access improving, but financing still insufficient for Africa
According to the 2025 report on global energy access, despite notable progress in renewable energy, insufficient targeted financing continues to hinder electricity and clean cooking access, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
China and the United States improve their energy performance in an unstable global context
While advanced economies maintain global energy leadership, China and the United States have significantly progressed in the security and sustainability of their energy systems, according to the World Economic Forum's annual report.
UK urged to accelerate electricity price reforms
The UK's Climate Change Committee is urging the government to quickly reduce electricity costs to facilitate the adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles, judged too slow to achieve the set climate targets.
Brussels expands subsidies for low-carbon technologies and nuclear power
The European Commission will extend until the end of 2030 an expanded state-aid framework, allowing capitals to fund low-carbon technologies and nuclear power to preserve competitiveness against China and the United States.
Japan Faces Major Electricity Shortfall of 89 GW by 2050
Japan's grid operator forecasts an energy shortfall of up to 89 GW by 2050 due to rising demand from semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence technologies.
EU Approves Targeted Energy Aid for Europe’s Heavy Industries
Energy-intensive European industries will be eligible for temporary state aid to mitigate high electricity prices, according to a new regulatory framework proposed by the European Commission under the "Clean Industrial Deal."
Mauritius launches international tender for floating power plant
Mauritius seeks international investors to swiftly build a floating power plant of around 100 MW, aiming to secure the national energy supply by January 2026 and address current production shortfalls.
Spain and Portugal Strengthen Networks Following April Blackout
Madrid announces immediate energy storage measures while Lisbon secures its electrical grid, responding to the historic outage that affected the entire Iberian Peninsula in late April.
Indonesia Commits 190 Billion USD to Expand Energy Capacity by 2034
Indonesia has unveiled its new national energy plan, projecting an increase of 69.5 GW in electricity capacity over ten years, largely funded by independent producers, to address rapidly rising domestic demand.
France: Moratorium on renewables; warning about immediate industrial impact
French Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher condemns the parliamentary moratorium on new renewable energy installations, warning of the potential loss of 150,000 industrial jobs and increased energy dependence on foreign countries.
New European Battery Regulation Disrupts Europe’s Industrial Sector
The European battery regulation, fully effective from August 18, significantly alters industrial requirements related to electric cars and bicycles, imposing strict rules on recycling, supply chains, and transparency for companies.
European Parliament urges Brussels to act on energy grids
The European Parliament calls on the Commission to strengthen energy infrastructure and accelerate the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal to enhance the continent's energy flexibility and security amid increased market volatility.
Europe Commits Major Investments to Electricity Grids and the Clean Industrial Deal
The European Commission unveils an ambitious plan to modernize electricity grids and introduces the Clean Industrial Deal, mobilizing hundreds of billions of euros to strengthen the continent's industrial and energy autonomy.
Wood Mackenzie highlights advantage of regulated utilities amid data centre boom
In the United States, regulated electric grid operators hold a decisive advantage in connecting new data centres to the grid, now representing 134 GW of projects, according to a Wood Mackenzie report published on June 19.
France sets renewable energy target of 200 TWh by 2030
The French National Assembly approves a specific target of 200 TWh renewable electricity production by 2030 within a legislative text extensively debated about the future national energy mix.
United States: emissions stagnate in 2024, uncertainty under Trump administration
In 2024, US CO₂ emissions remain stable at 5.1bn tonnes, as the Trump administration prepares hydrocarbon-friendly energy policies, raising questions about the future evolution of the American market.
France: Anticipated Energy Decree, National Assembly Denounces Democratic Risk
The early publication of France's energy decree triggers strong parliamentary reactions, as the government aims to rapidly secure investments in nuclear and other energy sectors.
Spain Blackout: Analysis of Causes and European Financing Plan Approved
Seven weeks after the major Iberian power outage, Spain identifies technical network failures, while the European Investment Bank approves major funding to strengthen the interconnection with France.
European Union Sets Precise Timeline for Russian Gas Import Ban
The European Union has announced a detailed schedule aiming to definitively halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, anticipating internal legal and commercial challenges to overcome.
Madagascar invests in thermal power plant to counter chronic power cuts
Madagascar plans the imminent opening of a 105 MW thermal power plant to swiftly stabilise its electricity grid, severely affected in major urban areas, while simultaneously developing renewable energy projects.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS