In 2023, Lebanon relied on fossil fuels for just over half of its electricity consumption, around 53%, while low-carbon sources supplied the remaining 47%. Solar was the largest clean electricity source, providing almost a third of the total, while hydropower contributed about 15%. This substantial low-carbon share provides a strong foundation for expanding clean electricity and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Lebanon?

Electricity consumption in Lebanon is far below its historic peak, despite encouraging growth in low-carbon generation. Total consumption reached just 783 kWh per person in 2023, compared with 3,741 kWh in 2019—a decline of roughly 2,960 kWh per person, or nearly 80%. By contrast, low-carbon electricity generation reached a new record of 371 kWh per person, up around 24 kWh from its previous peak in 2022. That clean electricity progress is welcome, but the severe decline in overall consumption is concerning: Lebanon needs substantial electricity growth to support reliable services, economic recovery and future electrification.

Suggestions

Lebanon should build on its existing solar success by expanding rooftop installations and larger solar projects, supported by stronger grids and electricity storage. It can also learn from nearby and regionally relevant places that have diversified their low-carbon electricity supplies. Wind provides around 20% of electricity in Morocco and 21% in Greece, offering useful examples for exploring suitable Lebanese wind resources. Nuclear electricity should also be considered as part of a long-term clean electricity strategy: the United Arab Emirates generates around 20% of its electricity from nuclear, while Armenia generates almost 30%. France, where nuclear supplies about two-thirds of electricity, demonstrates how this technology can underpin a predominantly low-carbon electricity system.

History

Lebanon’s recorded low-carbon electricity history was dominated by fluctuating hydropower until solar began making substantial gains. Hydropower fell by 0.2 TWh in 1982, then experienced mixed changes during the 1990s, ending with a substantial 0.5 TWh decline in 1999. Gains of 0.3 TWh in 2002 and 0.6 TWh in 2003 were followed by further fluctuations through the late 2000s. During the 2010s, hydropower increased in several years, including gains of 0.4 TWh in 2012 and 0.6 TWh in 2019. More recently, solar generation rose by 0.2 TWh in 2021, surged by 1 TWh in 2022 and added another 0.1 TWh in 2023. This recent solar expansion marks an encouraging shift toward a broader clean electricity supply.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade