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http://dx.doi.org/10.5855/ENERGY.2015.24.4.192

A Technical Assessment of Possibility Sanction for Assistance to DPRK  

Chung, Yongjin (Graduate School of Energy and Environment, Seoul National University of Sicence and Technology)
Kwon, Yongchai (Graduate School of Energy and Environment, Seoul National University of Sicence and Technology)
Publication Information
Journal of Energy Engineering / v.24, no.4, 2015 , pp. 192-199 More about this Journal
Abstract
Under the economic banner of "self-reliance," North Korea has focused on hydro and thermal power as its main energy supply sources. However, in the face of extreme energy penury caused by machinery and material supply instability in the wake of the collapse of the former communist block as well as equipment aging and deterioration due to floods and other disasters, North Korea and international aid organizations are increasingly turning their attention toward energy source diversification. In particular, renewable energy is recognized as the best strategic energy source for North Korea and it is a decentralized energy option that is suitable in light of North Korea's power distribution networks and its pursuit of self-reliance. Biogas can contribute to improving the human rights situation of North Koreans in conjunction with an increase in food production. For this reason, renewable energy is the most promising option for an energy source that is likely to secure humanitarian aid from international organizations such as the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP). However, the implementation of such humanitarian aid has been hampered by rising concerns about the diversion of provided energy materials for military purposes and the disguised introduction of dual use items strategic materials as well as UN Security Council resolutions and sanctions of the international community against North Korea's military provocation, including nuclear tests and missile launches. This paper explores the possibility of solving this dilemma and proceeding with the humanitarian aid to North Korea by evaluating the potential for sanction and the risk of diversion of the possible products for biogas-related aid on the basis of the list of UN-sanctioned items.
Keywords
North Korea; Renewable energy; Biogas; UN sanctions;
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