Energy The DPRK's indigenous energy resources are predominantly coal and hydroelectricity. However, in the 1990s, Pyongyang's concessionary arrangements with its two neighbours came to an end, severely exacerbating its economic problems. The DPRK's energy shortages are both a symptom and cause of its economic malaise. However, even with the realisation of the two reactors and their 2 million kw capacity, the DPRK's electricity supply will still be constrained by an antiquated grid. Telecommunications infrastructure is also primitive.
Few citizens own a phone and phone numbers are treated with a degree of secrecy.
There is no published phone directory and many firms are reluctant to give out their phone, fax or telex numbers, and the phone numbers and addresses of government departments are kept secret. The telecommunications equipment itself, with the exception of the system installed in the Rajin-Sonbong free trade zone by Loxley Telecommunications, is generally 1950s Soviet technology and is poorly maintained. The most important sectors are iron and steel for machine building, chemicals and military production. The emphasis on heavy industry was intended to provide a sound basis for light industry and agriculture. In reality, however, the emphasis on heavy industry has been at the expense of the latter two sectors and has greatly curtailed the country's economic growth.