Renewable Energy Consumption: Korea, Republic of
Korea, Republic of's renewable energy consumption is currently 3.6 % of total as of 2021. # Korea, Republic of Renewable Energy Consumption South Korea's renewable energy consumption reached 3.
Current (2021)
3.6 % of total
+0.0% y/y
Peak (2020)
3.6 % of total
Low (1994)
0.4 % of total
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1990–2021 · 32 pts
Renewable Energy Consumption — Korea, Republic of
1990 — 2021
Renewable Energy Consumption — Korea, Republic of
Analysis# Korea, Republic of Renewable Energy Consumption
South Korea's renewable energy consumption reached 3.6% of total energy in 2021, matching its all-time peak from 2020. This represents substantial progress from 1990, when renewables accounted for just 0.4% of the energy mix—a 125% increase over three decades. Despite this growth trajectory, renewable energy remains a modest component of South Korea's overall energy portfolio compared to many developed nations.
From 2012 to 2021, South Korea accelerated its renewable adoption, nearly doubling the percentage from 1.6% to 3.6%. A notable acceleration occurred between 2014 and 2018, when the share rose from 2.9% to 3.2%. The plateau at 3.6% since 2020 suggests South Korea may be approaching a stabilization point, though sustained policy efforts and investments in solar and wind infrastructure could drive further expansion in coming years.
Historical Data
32 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3.6 % of total | +0.00% |
| 2020 | 3.6 % of total | +12.50% |
| 2019 | 3.2 % of total | +0.00% |
| 2018 | 3.2 % of total | +14.29% |
| 2017 | 2.8 % of total | +7.69% |
| 2016 | 2.6 % of total | -3.70% |
| 2015 | 2.7 % of total | -6.90% |
| 2014 | 2.9 % of total | +52.63% |
| 2013 | 1.9 % of total | +18.75% |
| 2012 | 1.6 % of total | +14.29% |
| 2011 | 1.4 % of total | +7.69% |
| 2010 | 1.3 % of total | +8.33% |
| 2009 | 1.2 % of total | +9.09% |
| 2008 | 1.1 % of total | +10.00% |
| 2007 | 1 % of total | +11.11% |
| 2006 | 0.9 % of total | +0.00% |
| 2005 | 0.9 % of total | +12.50% |
| 2004 | 0.8 % of total | +0.00% |
| 2003 | 0.8 % of total | +14.29% |
| 2002 | 0.7 % of total | +0.00% |
Show all 32 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 0.7 % of total | +0.00% |
| 2000 | 0.7 % of total | -12.50% |
| 1999 | 0.8 % of total | -11.11% |
| 1998 | 0.9 % of total | +28.57% |
| 1997 | 0.7 % of total | +16.67% |
| 1996 | 0.6 % of total | +50.00% |
| 1995 | 0.4 % of total | +0.00% |
| 1994 | 0.4 % of total | -42.86% |
| 1993 | 0.7 % of total | -12.50% |
| 1992 | 0.8 % of total | -20.00% |
| 1991 | 1 % of total | -37.50% |
| 1990 | 1.6 % of total | — |
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