SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

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.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90€/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90€/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

START NOW — 4.90€/month

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 €/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99€/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

SUBSCRIBE — 99€/year

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 €/year from the second year.

Sign up for free to unlock this article

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.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Bangladesh finalises memorandum with Aramco for LNG supply deals
R.Power sells 440MW solar portfolio in Poland amid uncertainties
ReconAfrica advances drilling of Kavango West 1X well in Namibia
Ascent Solar and Star Catcher combine technologies for space-based solar energy
Natura Resources secures federal and Texas backing for molten salt reactor
French energy regulator corrects ten public claims on costs and production
In France, the Commission de régulation de l’énergie issues a clarification on ten statements shared over the summer, correcting several figures regarding tariffs, production and investments in the electricity sector.
Dozens of scientists denounce climate report deemed biased by US Department of Energy
A group of 85 researchers challenges the scientific validity of the climate report released by the US Department of Energy, citing partial methods and the absence of independent peer review.
Five new projects obtain CB RES status and join the Commission list
Five energy infrastructure projects have been added to the list of cross-border renewable projects, making them eligible for financial support under the CEF Energy programme.
Tanzania bets on compressed natural gas to cut oil imports
The Tanzanian government launches a national consultation to accelerate the rollout of compressed natural gas, mobilising public and private financing to secure energy supply and lower fuel costs.
Kuwait launches tenders for 1.8GW energy and water project
The Kuwaiti government has invited three international consortia to submit bids for the first phase of the Al Khairan project, combining power generation and desalination.
NNPC Ltd keeps Port Harcourt refinery and focuses on rehabilitation
Nigeria’s state-owned oil company abandons plans to sell the Port Harcourt refinery and confirms a maintenance programme despite high operating costs.
Political crisis in France: energy roadmap threatened by new delay
The publication of the Multiannual Energy Programme decree, awaited for two years, is compromised by internal political tensions, jeopardising strategic investments in nuclear and renewables.
EIA delays key reports after 30% staff reduction
The US Energy Information Administration reschedules or cancels several publications, affecting the availability of critical data for oil, gas and renewables markets.
Brazil dismantles criminal fuel network worth BRL52bn
Brazilian authorities have launched a large-scale operation targeting a money laundering system linked to the fuel sector, involving investment funds, fintechs, and more than 1,000 service stations across the country.
Natural gas and solar receive broad support across the United States
A national study by the Davies Group reveals widespread American support for the simultaneous development of both renewable and fossil energy sources, with strong approval for natural gas and solar energy.
Seoul Imposes 25% Cut in Petrochemical Capacity to Stabilize the Sector
The South Korean government compels ten petrochemical groups to cut up to 3.7 million tons of naphtha cracking per year, tying financial and tax support to swift and documented restructuring measures.
Washington extends emergency orders to strengthen Puerto Rico’s power grid
The U.S. Department of Energy has extended until November the emergency measures aimed at ensuring the stability of Puerto Rico’s power grid against overload risks and recurring outages.
Modi Defends India’s Energy Autonomy Amid U.S. Tariff Pressure
Under threat of increased U.S. tariffs, New Delhi is accelerating its energy independence strategy to reduce reliance on imports, particularly Russian oil.
800-Million-Dollar Agreement: Tsingshan Triggers an Energy Recomposition in Zimbabwe
With a new $800 million investment agreement, Tsingshan expands the Manhize steel plant and generates an energy demand of more than 500 MW, forcing Zimbabwe to accelerate its electricity strategy.
United States: Batteries Offset Solar and Wind Slowdown in 2025
U.S. electric storage capacity will surge 68% this year according to Cleanview, largely offsetting the slowdown in solar and wind projects under the Trump administration.
Massive power outage in Iraq after losing 6,000 MW of capacity
A nationwide blackout left Iraq without electricity for several hours, affecting almost the entire country due to record consumption linked to an extreme heatwave.
US Investigates Solar Imports from India, Indonesia and Laos
Washington launches antidumping procedures against three Asian countries. Margins up to 190% identified. Final decisions expected April 2026 with major supply chain impacts.
Russian oil and gas revenues fall by 27% in July 2025
Revenues generated by oil and gas in Russia recorded a significant decrease in July, putting direct pressure on the country’s budget balance according to official figures.
United States reaches two historic electricity demand peaks in July 2025
U.S. electricity consumption reached unprecedented levels in the last week of July, driven by a heatwave and the growth of industrial activity.
New York Power Authority unveils 7GW plan for public investments in renewable energy
The New York Power Authority targets nearly 7GW of capacity with a plan featuring 20 renewable projects and 156 storage initiatives, marking a new phase for public investment in the State.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.

or

Go unlimited with our annual offer: €99 for the 1styear year, then € 199/year.

SUBSCRIBE - €99