Electricity in Israel in 2022

As of 2022, Israel's electricity consumption heavily relies on fossil fuels, with more than 90% of its electricity generated from these sources. Specifically, natural gas accounts for about two-thirds of the total electricity, while coal contributes a little over a fifth. In contrast, low-carbon or clean energy sources are significantly underrepresented, constituting just under 10% of the electricity mix. Solar power is almost the sole contributor to Israel's low-carbon electricity, making up nearly 10% of the total generation. Other low-carbon options like wind and biofuels have a negligible presence in the country's electricity grid.

Suggestions

To increase its share of low-carbon electricity, Israel can take inspiration from countries that have successfully harnessed nuclear and wind power. France, for example, generates about 67% of its electricity from nuclear energy, showcasing the potential for a strong and stable nuclear sector. Denmark offers another model with its effective use of wind energy, generating 61% of its electricity from wind turbines. Countries like Greece, which successfully generates 22% of its electricity from solar, and Spain, with a significant share from both nuclear (20%) and wind (24%), also provide practical blueprints. By investing in these proven technologies, Israel can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.

History

Israel's journey towards incorporating low-carbon electricity began in earnest over the past decade. The initial push came in the early 2010s with small but consistent annual increases in solar energy generation, starting from 0.1 TWh in 2011 and gradually rising over the years. By 2019, Israel saw a noteworthy leap, adding 1 TWh of solar electricity, followed by a substantial 1.6 TWh increase in 2020. Wind energy, while still minimal, began contributing in 2017 and fluctuated slightly. This trend continued positively with solar power seeing another significant jump in 2022, gaining an additional 2 TWh. This history indicates a promising, albeit slow, shift towards more low-carbon electricity generation, mainly driven by solar energy.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources