Electricity in Lebanon in 2022

In 2022, Lebanon's electricity consumption predominantly relied on fossil fuels, with about 9.1 TWh generated from such sources. This reflects a heavy reliance on non-renewable energy, contrasting with the minimal contribution from low-carbon sources. On average, this translates to a per person electricity consumption significantly lower than the global average of 432 watts per person. The consequences of this low level of electricity generation include frequent power outages, limited industrial growth, and a strain on everyday life for citizens. Additionally, a continued dependence on fossil fuels contributes to climate change and air pollution, further exacerbating environmental and health issues.

Suggestions

To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Lebanon can draw insights from successful countries implementing solar and wind energy. For instance, China has made remarkable strides in wind (886 TWh) and solar (584 TWh) energy production. Similarly, India showcases notable achievements with 113 TWh from solar and 82 TWh from wind. Adopting policies that support infrastructure development for solar and wind energy can help Lebanon transition towards a more sustainable energy future. Furthermore, nuclear energy provides a reliable base-load power source as seen in countries like France (336 TWh) and the United States (775 TWh from nuclear). Lebanon should consider developing its nuclear capabilities to ensure a steady supply of clean energy.

History

Looking at the history of low-carbon electricity in Lebanon, periodic changes in hydroelectric power generation have been observed. In the early 1980s and 1990s, Lebanon experienced minor fluctuations with small decreases (like in 1982 and 1990) and increases (such as in 1991 and 1993). The late 1990s to early 2000s saw more noticeable variations, including a significant 0.5 TWh drop in hydroelectric power in 1999, followed by a rebound in 2002 and 2003 with increases of 0.3 TWh and 0.7 TWh, respectively. However, 2014 marked a notable decline with a 1 TWh reduction, which was partially offset in subsequent years, notably in 2015 and 2019 with 0.3 TWh and 0.6 TWh increases. The last decade also saw the introduction of solar energy with a 0.2 TWh increase in 2021, indicating Lebanon's nascent steps towards diversifying its low-carbon energy sources. However, overall efforts need to be significantly ramped up to achieve sustainable energy security.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources