Electricity in Palestinian Territories in 2022
The state of electricity consumption in the Palestinian Territories in 2022 can be characterized by an overwhelming reliance on imported energy. Over 85% of electricity is sourced from net imports, reflecting a significant dependence on external sources for the region's electricity needs. Fossil fuels account for almost 9% of electricity generation, which is higher than the region's clean energy contributions. Low-carbon energy, which encompasses solar energy, makes up around 4% of the electricity supply. This indicates that local clean electricity generation is limited, with solar being the primary source within this small low-carbon share.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Palestinian Territories?
Despite the challenges, there are signs of potential progress in the Palestinian Territories' electricity landscape, particularly concerning clean energy. The total electricity consumption slightly decreased in 2022, reaching 1,455 kWh per person from a previous record of 1,464 kWh per person in 2021. However, the generation of low-carbon electricity saw a promising increase, with the latest figures at 64 kWh per person compared to 42 kWh per person in the previous year, indicating a growth of 22 kWh per person. This increase demonstrates a positive trend toward adopting cleaner energy solutions, highlighting a crucial area for potential expansion.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, the Palestinian Territories can draw lessons from several regions that have successfully embraced clean energy. For example, Denmark and Iowa have achieved remarkable results with wind energy, contributing to almost half and 60% of their electricity generation, respectively. Solar energy is another pillar where opportunities abound, as seen in regions like Lebanon and Nevada, where solar supplies more than a quarter of their electricity. Additionally, while the Palestinian Territories currently do not utilize nuclear energy, looking at the achievements of countries like France, where nuclear energy provides 69% of electricity, could inspire a strategic shift toward this stable, low-carbon source. Embracing both solar and potentially nuclear energy could significantly reduce fossil fuel dependency and transition towards a more sustainable electricity system.
History
The journey of solar electricity development in the Palestinian Territories began recently. From 2015 through 2018, solar electricity did not contribute to any significant generation, remaining flat with no measurable change. A spark in development occurred in 2019 and again in 2020, when the region saw an increase of 0.1 TWh, and the same growth was repeated in 2022 after a stagnant 2021. These modest but meaningful increments signal an awakening interest and commitment to integrating solar power into the energy mix. There’s a call for reinforced initiatives, investments, and policies that could turbocharge this trajectory, inevitably leading to a more robust and clean energy future for the region.
