In 2023, electricity consumption in Israel shows a strong reliance on fossil fuels, with more than 89% of electricity generated from fossil energy sources. Natural gas is the dominant fossil fuel, contributing over 71% to the total electricity production, followed by coal at almost 18%. On the other hand, low-carbon energy accounts for just over 10% of Israel's electricity mix. Of these, solar energy is the primary source, accounting for more than 9% of total electricity consumption. The current state indicates a substantial gap between fossil-based and low-carbon electricity generation, underscoring the urgent need for a shift towards cleaner energy sources.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Israel?

Despite the crucial need for growth, Israel saw a decline in overall electricity consumption recently. The country consumed around 8039 kWh per person in 2023, marking a decrease from a previous record of 8285 kWh per person in 2019. This reduction of 246 kWh per person indicates stagnation but not a positive sign; significant increases are needed to support a sustainable future. The positive aspect of the current scenario, however, is the growth in low-carbon electricity production. The latest figures show a substantial increase to 845 kWh per person for low-carbon sources, up from 637 kWh in 2022. This 208 kWh per person growth signals progress in cleaner electricity generation, which remains crucial for Israel's energy future.

Suggestions

To elevate its low-carbon electricity production, Israel has the potential to adopt diverse strategies used by other regions. Learning from the success stories of other countries, focusing on solar and nuclear power seems paramount. For instance, Nevada and California have shown impressive achievements in solar electricity, producing around 33% and 29%, respectively. Israel can also take note from France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy contributes a substantial share, around 70% and 66% of their electricity, respectively. For wind energy, regions like Iowa and Denmark have achieved notable successes with wind generation surpassing 50%. By building on these examples and integrating more solar and nuclear installations, Israel can significantly bolster its clean electricity capacity.

History

Historically, Israel’s venture into low-carbon electricity has predominantly embraced solar energy, with steady growth over the past decade. The country saw incremental solar generation beginning in 2011, with gradual yearly increases. By 2016, this trend accelerated, as solar saw annual increases reaching 0.4 TWh. The progress continued, peaking with a remarkable boost of 1.6 TWh in 2023, followed by additional contributions from wind energy. Though biofuels made negligible progress in these years, the consistent rise in solar and the resurgence of wind energy opens up promising avenues. However, nuclear energy has remained conspicuously absent, despite its potential. Israel's commitment to expanding its solar capabilities alongside contemplating nuclear options will be crucial in achieving a carbon-neutral electricity sector.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade