Electricity in Israel in 2023
In 2023, Israel's electricity consumption predominantly leans on fossil fuels, with close to 90% of its electricity coming from these sources. Within this fossil-dominated landscape, natural gas accounts for more than two-thirds, while coal constitutes about one-sixth of the electricity mix. On the brighter side, low-carbon electricity makes up a bit more than 10%, chiefly driven by solar power, which itself accounts for nearly all of that green energy contribution. Despite being a step in the right direction, the reliance on low-carbon energy remains minor compared to fossil energy, necessitating strategic advancements to ensure a more balanced and sustainable energy future.
Is Electricity Growing in Israel?
When examining electricity growth trends, Israel shows a slight decrease in per capita electricity consumption, dropping from a record 8,312 kWh per person in 2019 to 8,039 kWh per person recently. This decline of 273 kWh per person could hint at either improved energy efficiency or reduced overall consumption. On a more encouraging note, low-carbon electricity generation per capita has hit a new high, growing from its previous record with an increase of 208 kWh per person, showcasing a positive shift towards cleaner energy sources. This shift is vital in ensuring a sustainable future and mitigating the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Israel can draw insights from regions with successful strategies. Given Israel's ample sunshine, solar power expansion is a logical step forward. Observing Lebanon and its solar generation of 31%, or California at 20%, Israel has excellent models for scaling up solar infrastructure. Moreover, exploring nuclear energy, akin to the successful nuclear programs in France and Slovakia, where nuclear power contributes upwards of 60% to their electricity mix, could be pivotal. A robust nuclear strategy, paired with solar expansion, would significantly enhance Israel's clean energy capacity, positioning it as a leader in sustainable electricity generation.
History
Israel's journey in low-carbon electricity has mainly unfolded over the 2010s and the early 2020s. During the first half of the 2010s, solar energy began its gradual ascent, marked by modest annual increases. The latter half of the 2010s witnessed a rise in solar development, particularly in 2019 and 2020, where solar grew by 1 and 0.9 TWh, respectively. Biofuels and wind power also experienced minor growth but have remained relatively insignificant until recently. In 2023, solar energy took a substantial leap with a 1.6 TWh increase, complemented by wind power rising by 0.4 TWh. This trajectory underlines Israel's commitment to expanding its low-carbon footprint, yet emphasizes the need for continued and accelerated efforts in the years to come.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.