Electricity in Lebanon in 2022

In 2022, Lebanon's electricity consumption was heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which constituted about 87% of the total electricity generated. The country’s use of low-carbon or clean energy sources was significantly lower, accounting for only around 9% of the total. This clean energy mainly came from hydropower, which contributed nearly 6%, while solar energy made up approximately 3%. Additionally, Lebanon relied on net imports for about 4% of its electricity needs. The overwhelming dependence on fossil fuels presents a challenge, especially given the environmental and health impacts associated with high carbon emissions, such as climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

Lebanon can learn from various countries that have successfully transitioned to higher percentages of low-carbon electricity. For instance, France and Slovakia generate more than half of their electricity from nuclear power, showcasing how investment in nuclear plants can significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Denmark and Uruguay are excellent examples of nations using wind energy effectively, with wind contributing 61% and 36% to their electricity mix, respectively. Additionally, neighboring countries like Greece are making strides in solar energy, with solar providing 22% of their electricity. By investing in nuclear power and enhancing the infrastructure for wind and solar energy, Lebanon can diversify its energy mix and reduce its carbon footprint.

History

Lebanon has experienced fluctuations in low-carbon electricity generation over the past few decades, primarily through hydropower. In the early 1980s, specifically in 1982, there was a slight decrease of 0.2 TWh in hydropower generation. The 1990s saw a mix of minor increases and decreases, with notable growth in 1991 and 1993. However, in 1999, there was a significant drop of 0.5 TWh. The early 2000s brought some recovery, particularly in 2002 and 2003 with increases of 0.3 and 0.7 TWh, respectively. The decade following saw more variability, with considerable decreases in 2006 and 2014. Most recently, in 2021, hydropower saw a decline of 0.4 TWh, while solar energy generation increased by 0.2 TWh, marking a new direction in Lebanon's energy landscape. This history underscores the potential for solar energy development alongside more stable sources like nuclear to ensure a sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources