In Lebanon, the electricity consumption landscape is currently characterized by a fairly balanced mix between fossil fuels and low-carbon energy sources. As of 2023, fossil fuels account for slightly more than half of Lebanon's electricity generation, specifically around 53%. On the cleaner side of the energy spectrum, low-carbon sources contribute close to 47%. Impressively, solar energy alone represents almost a third of the total electricity generated, about 31%, indicating the country's potential to harness solar power efficiently. Additionally, hydropower provides roughly 15% of the electricity, underscoring Lebanon's capability in utilizing various forms of clean energy to meet its electricity demands.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Lebanon?
Despite the potential presented by low-carbon sources, Lebanon is experiencing a significant decline in overall electricity consumption, which is cause for concern. The latest figures show electricity consumption per person at 783 kWh, which is significantly less than the consumption recorded in 2018, with a marked drop of 2768 kWh per person. However, there is a modest yet positive growth in low-carbon electricity generation, which saw an increase from the previous record in 2022. The current low-carbon output is 371 kWh per person, showing a small but encouraging rise of 24 kWh per person. While the increase in cleaner energy is a positive sign, the overall reduction in electricity consumption highlights the need for strategies to boost electricity generation sustainably.
Suggestions
To further increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Lebanon should consider expanding existing solar infrastructure, given its substantial contribution to the current energy mix. Solar power has proven efficient in Lebanon and remains a promising avenue for future growth. Moreover, Lebanon could look to successful regions with exemplary low-carbon energy achievements for inspiration. For instance, France and Slovakia have significantly invested in nuclear energy, with 69% and 67% of their electricity generated by nuclear power, respectively. Similarly, Denmark has successfully harnessed wind energy, representing 49% of its electricity generation, showcasing how solar, wind, and nuclear power can work in tandem for substantial low-carbon electricity production.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Lebanon reveals a fluctuating but encouraging trend over the decades. In the late 20th century and early 2000s, hydropower faced a mixed trajectory, with several years showing modest increases, such as in 1991, 2003, and 2009, and declines, notably in 1999 and 2014. More recently, from 2021 onwards, solar energy began to make a significant impact, with a steady annual increase, including a notable surge of 1 TWh in 2022. This shift towards solar energy symbolizes a strategic pivot in Lebanon's low-carbon trajectory, warranting further investment to ensure continued growth and sustainability in its electricity generation.
