In 2023, Israel's electricity consumption paints a picture of heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with fossil energy constituting close to nine-tenths of its overall electricity generation. The primary contributor is gas, accounting for over 70%, followed by coal, which makes up about 18%. Meanwhile, low-carbon sources, although still minor in comparison, provide more than a tenth of the nation’s electricity, with solar energy being the leading contributor to this sector at approximately 9%. The disparity between fossil fuels and low-carbon energy highlights an urgent need to transition towards more sustainable electricity sources, not only to mitigate climate change but also to reduce air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Israel?

Examining electricity growth in Israel reveals a nuanced picture. While the total electricity consumption per person in 2023 stands at 8,039 kWh, it reflects a slight drop from the peak of 8,285 kWh per person recorded in 2019. This decrease of 246 kWh per person may indicate stagnation or even decline in electricity consumption, which is concerning given the growing need for electricity in the coming years. However, the nation has shown a promising increase in low-carbon electricity, with recent numbers reaching 845 kWh per person, a notable rise from the previous record in 2022. This indicates that although overall electricity consumption has decreased, Israel is on an upward trajectory in producing cleaner electricity.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Israel can take inspiration from regions that have successfully integrated solar and nuclear energy into their electricity portfolios. For instance, Nevada has achieved a significant portion of its electricity from solar, with solar contributing 35% to its energy mix. Meanwhile, countries like France and Slovakia have implemented nuclear energy impressively, with nuclear accounting for more than 65% of their electricity generation. By investing in and adopting similar strategies as these regions, Israel could significantly enhance its clean energy production, thereby reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to global efforts against climate change.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Israel demonstrates a steady development, particularly in solar power. Starting from 2011, solar generation saw gradual increases every year, with more substantial growth occurring from 2019 to 2023, highlighted by the 1.6 TWh increase in solar capacity in 2023. Wind energy also experienced positive growth, although to a lesser extent, showing some fluctuations over the years. Biofuels appeared modestly only in 2016 and 2020. While the consistent increase in solar power is commendable, Israel must look towards accelerating these efforts, alongside adopting nuclear energy, to ensure a robust and sustainable electricity future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade