Electricity in Israel in 2023
Israel's electricity landscape in 2023 is dominated by fossil energy, with almost 90% of electricity generation relying on fossil sources. Natural gas plays a significant role, contributing more than two-thirds to the total electricity produced, while coal accounts for nearly 18%. Low-carbon or clean energy represents over a tenth of the country's electricity, with solar power contributing the majority within this segment at about 9%. This indicates a notable presence of clean energy, although it highlights substantial room for growth to reduce dependency on fossil fuels further and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Israel?
Regarding electricity growth in Israel, the consumption pattern suggests a decline. The latest figures show electricity consumption per person at 8039 kWh, which is a slight drop from the 8285 kWh recorded in 2019, indicating a reduction of approximately 246 kWh per person. Nonetheless, there is promising growth in low-carbon electricity, with the latest per-person generation reaching 845 kWh, up by 208 from the 2022 record. This increase in clean energy usage is an encouraging sign of progress towards a more sustainable energy future, but the overall decline in electricity consumption is concerning, especially considering the growing demand for electricity from electrification and technological advances like artificial intelligence.
Suggestions
For Israel to expand its low-carbon electricity generation, it can look to regions like Nevada and California, which have successfully harnessed solar energy, with solar accounting for about a third of their electricity generation. Israel could significantly increase its solar capacity by adopting cutting-edge solar technologies and infrastructure development pioneered in these states. Additionally, considering the promising use of nuclear power in countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear accounts for over two-thirds of their electricity, Israel could benefit from investing in nuclear energy. Establishing new nuclear facilities could provide a reliable and substantial clean energy source, complementing solar to achieve energy security and sustainability.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Israel, solar energy saw modest but consistent growth from 2010 onwards. Notable accelerations occurred in 2019 and 2023, with record increases in solar power generation. Although wind energy showed promise with early increases in 2017, it experienced a brief decline in 2020 before resuming growth. These trends reflect a strong focus on solar energy expansion, suggesting a determined effort to shift toward cleaner electricity. While biofuels and wind have played smaller roles, the substantial investment and growth in solar energy highlight Israel's commitment to cleaner electricity and its potential for further embracing green energy sources in the future.
