Electricity in Israel in 2023
Currently, Israel's electricity consumption heavily relies on fossil fuels, with more than four-fifths of its electricity derived from these sources. Natural gas dominates, contributing over two-thirds, while coal provides almost a fifth. Low-carbon energy sources contribute a small portion to the national grid, with around one-tenth of electricity generated from such sources. Solar power is the most significant contributor among low-carbon sources, accounting for almost the entire share. This indicates a substantial reliance on fossil fuels and highlights the need for further diversification towards clean energy sources, not only to curb climate change but to also reduce air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Israel?
Israel's per capita electricity consumption shows a slight decrease from its peak in 2019, dropping by 273 kWh per person to 8039 kWh/person in 2023. Despite this overall contraction in consumption, low-carbon electricity generation per person has notably increased by 208 kWh, reaching 845 kWh/person. This growth in clean electricity generation is a positive development, yet it is set against the backdrop of reducing overall electricity usage. For sustainable growth and environmental benefits, it's crucial to not only increase total electricity consumption but also to do so largely through low-carbon sources, ensuring that the demand growth this expansion supports is green and sustainable.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Israel could draw inspiration from regions and states with successful solar and nuclear programs. For instance, the robust nuclear energy framework in countries like France and Slovakia shows how scalable and dependable nuclear power can be. Solar energy expansion should also be a key focus, potentially learning from Lebanon’s growth, where solar accounts for over 30% of electricity generation. By investing in both nuclear and solar energy, Israel can significantly improve its energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and prepare for a future of increased electricity demand due to technological advancements like AI.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Israel, solar power has seen significant growth, especially since the 2010s. Initially slow, solar generation started with almost zero contribution in 2010, but grew incrementally in the following years. The period from 2014 onwards witnessed more dynamic growth, particularly from 2019 to 2023, when solar power surged dramatically, with an increase of around 1 TWh or more annually. Wind energy also began contributing notably from 2017 and saw a sharp increase in 2023. Conversely, biofuels have added minimal changes to the country's energy mix. This progression underscores the need to prioritize and sustain investments in solar and wind while exploring nuclear energy to ensure a resilient, clean energy future for Israel.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.