Electricity in Israel in 2022

In 2022, Israel's electricity consumption was heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 90% of its electricity generated from these sources. Specifically, natural gas accounted for approximately 68% and coal around 22% of the electricity mix. On the other hand, low-carbon sources only contributed to about 10% of the total electricity generation, with solar power being the predominant clean energy source at roughly 10%. This clear dominance of fossil fuels in Israel's electricity generation underscores the urgent need for a transition toward more sustainable sources to address adverse environmental impacts, such as climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To accelerate the transition to a cleaner energy mix, Israel can look towards successfully implemented solutions from other countries. For example, France, with about two-thirds of its electricity generated from nuclear energy, serves as a leading model for building a robust nuclear infrastructure. This is something Israel could consider as it explores expanding its low-carbon energy portfolio. Additionally, Denmark’s success with wind energy, which constitutes nearly 60% of its electricity, illustrates the potential of investing in wind facilities. These examples demonstrate that significant reductions in reliance on fossil fuels are achievable with proper investment and strategic planning in nuclear and wind energy.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity development in Israel, particularly solar, shows gradual but significant progress over recent years. Starting with almost negligible solar generation in 2010, Israel began experiencing consistent growth from 2011 onwards, with notable increases from 2014. Especially after 2019, solar contributions skyrocketed, with gains of 1.6 TWh in 2020 and later by 2 TWh in 2022. While wind energy has seen occasional increases, the focus has largely remained on expanding solar capacities. Over time, this upward trend in solar energy demonstrates a promising step towards a diversified low-carbon energy future. Moving forward, continued emphasis on scaling solar alongside investments in other sustainable options like nuclear and wind will be vital for ensuring energy security and environmental sustainability.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources