North Korea: Hope for Economic Revival

The latest workshop organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK – or North Korea) focused on the “Development of Renewable Energies in the 21st Century” with an emphasis on geothermal energy. More than fifty selected experts, among them high-ranking government officials, attended the half-day event that was held in Pyongyang. The FNF delegation included the Deputy Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Axel Hoffmann, who was keen to learn more about FNF’s projects in the DPR Korea and the current political, economic and humanitarian situation in the country. It was the first visit of a FNF board member to North Korea since the Foundation began its engagement there in early 2004.

After talks with political decision-makers and factory visits in Pyongyang, Mr. Hoffmann noted that economic modernization is making progress, also due to the increasing and visible engagement by China. Furthermore, he gained important insights into Korean society, contemporary history, power structure and decision-making processes in the country. In his welcoming speech delivered during the workshop Mr. Hoffmann emphasized that the issue of renewable energies had been on the political agenda even before the disaster at the nuclear power plant in Fukushima. Despite further progress in technological development nuclear power continued to pose a certain risk. Therefore, Germany had decided on a radical change in its energy policy and even considered to put an end to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Representing the DPRK side, Kim Jong Su, Director General of the State Commission for Science and Technology addressed the participants in his welcoming remarks. Leonhard Thien, director of the Geothermal Energy Network of North Rhine Westphalia, in his presentation, focused on the current status of the development, generation and potential of geothermal energy in Germany. The presentation was followed by an open and long Q&A session. The high-ranking position of the participants showed that North Korea ascribes importance to renewable energies. The State Commission for Science and Technology is subordinated to the cabinet and in hierarchy superior to the ministries.

In the official talks both sides stressed the importance of dialogue. According to Ri Yong Chol, Vice Director of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Korean Workers’ Party, the engagement of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in North Korea was exemplary. The FNF delegation also noted increasing and concrete interests of international investors with regard to a possible opening of the DPRK market.