In 2023, the state of electricity consumption in Lebanon shows a balance leaning slightly towards fossil energy. Fossil fuels account for a little more than half (approximately 53%) of electricity generation, while low-carbon sources contribute close to half (about 47%). Among the low-carbon sources, solar energy makes up a significant portion, contributing to almost a third of the electricity generation. Meanwhile, hydropower covers about 15% of the total electricity consumption, marking it as another vital component of Lebanon's low-carbon energy portfolio. This composition illustrates Lebanon's ongoing shift towards cleaner energy sources, a necessary step given the urgent need to combat climate change and reduce air pollution caused by fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Lebanon?
Regarding electricity growth, Lebanon faces a concerning decline in electricity consumption compared to previous years. As of 2023, electricity consumption is at 783 kWh per person, a significant drop from the record high of 3,741 kWh per person in 2019. This represents a drastic reduction of nearly 3,000 kWh per person, highlighting a troubling trend. In contrast, the low-carbon electricity generation per person has experienced a modest increase, reaching 371 kWh in 2023 from the previous record of 346 kWh in 2022, marking an increase of 24 kWh per person. While the growth in low-carbon generation is a positive sign, the overall decline in electricity consumption suggests economic challenges or infrastructure issues that need to be addressed to ensure reliable and sustainable energy for all.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Lebanon should expand its solar energy capacity further, given the existing significant contribution of solar power. Additionally, lessons can be learned from countries with successful low-carbon strategies. France and Slovakia provide clear examples with nuclear energy comprising around two-thirds of their electricity portfolios. Similarly, Denmark and states like Iowa demonstrate the success achievable with wind energy, contributing to more than half of their electricity generation. Lebanon should consider these countries as a model, not only to enhance its solar capacity but also to explore the viability of incorporating nuclear energy into its energy mix. An expansion in solar and the potential introduction of nuclear power could bolster Lebanon's path towards a sustainable and secure energy future.
History
Historically, Lebanon's low-carbon electricity production has seen its share of fluctuations, primarily driven by hydropower generation changes. From the early 1980s to the early 2020s, hydropower has varied markedly, with notable declines in 1982, 1995, and more significant reductions in 1999 and 2014. However, there were also periods of growth such as in 2003 and 2019. The introduction of solar energy is relatively recent, with noticeable increases beginning in 2021 and continuing strong into 2022. The gradual rise of solar energy marks a positive development and complements the hydropower infrastructure. Overall, while Lebanon's historical journey in low-carbon energy showcases a mix of growth and limitations, the increasing role of solar energy indicates a potential direction for future energy policies. Expanding these technologies further and considering new ones, like nuclear energy, can secure a cleaner and more resilient energy system for Lebanon.
