As of 2022, the electricity consumption in the Palestinian Territories is heavily reliant on net imports, accounting for almost 88% of the total electricity supply. Fossil fuels contribute about 9% to the electricity mix, primarily impacting air quality and contributing to climate change. In stark contrast, low-carbon sources, which are crucial for reducing environmental impact, contribute a mere 3%, all of which is generated from solar power. While solar energy provides a clean, sustainable alternative, its current contribution is quite limited, indicating significant potential for expansion in the low-carbon sector.
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, the Palestinian Territories could look to examples from countries that have effectively utilized nuclear and wind energy. For instance, countries like France and Slovakia generate over half of their electricity from nuclear power, showcasing strong policies and investments in clean energy infrastructure. Additionally, regions with limited land resources—similar to the Palestinian Territories—such as Denmark and Uruguay have successfully harnessed wind power on a large scale. By investing in similar technologies and implementing efficient policies, the Palestinian Territories could significantly increase their share of low-carbon electricity.
The history of low-carbon electricity in the Palestinian Territories, specifically solar power, shows a gradual emergence beginning in 2019 with an initial increase of 0.1 TWh. This growth continued into 2020 with another 0.1 TWh boost. However, there has been stagnation in the following years, with no further growth reported in 2021 and 2022. This recent lack of progress underlines the need for renewed focus and strategic planning to advance the adoption of solar power and potentially explore other low-carbon technologies.