The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, or North Korea) routinely experiences energy shortages and blackouts despite possessing abundant resources of coal and hydropower. These energy shortfalls have largely been the result of aging infrastructure, outdated technologies, and policy issues. Pyongyang has opted for both short-term and long-term solutions to address problems affecting energy production, but these measures have, for the most part, either created new difficulties or exacerbated existing issues. Without definitive solutions, such hurdles and complications can continue to impede the North’s economic development. However, the warming of inter-Korean and U.S.-DPRK relations may present opportunities to improve the country’s energy prospects via international development projects, information sharing, and technology exports.