Radio Free Asia says a power plant located in North Korea's Ryanggang Province that opened in 2007 is operating far below capacity.

Citing local residents, the U.S.-based radio station said the Samsu power plant is generating only 20 percent of its full 50-thousand kilowatt capacity due to insufficient water flow.

North Korea strives to build hydroelectric power plants to fight its chronic power shortages.

The North's Korean Central Television reported in May of last year that the nation's ten or so hydropower plants are generating sufficient electricity for the nation.