Electricity in Palestinian Territories in 2022
In 2022, the electricity consumption in the Palestinian Territories was overwhelmingly dependent on external sources, with net imports constituting more than four-fifths of the total electricity usage. The reliance on fossil-based electricity was minimal, standing at less than a tenth. Clean electricity sources still represent a small fraction of the total, with low-carbon energy, primarily solar, accounting for a little over 4% of total consumption. This division starkly highlights the need to increase local low-carbon energy production to reduce dependency on imports and fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Palestinian Territories?
The recent change in electricity consumption per person in the Palestinian Territories reveals a slight downturn. In 2022, the per capita electricity consumption was recorded at 1455 kWh, representing a small decrease of 9 kWh per person from the previous year. While this represents a minor reduction, it's disheartening in the broader context of global trends requiring increased electricity to support modern innovations. However, there is an encouraging note in the growth of low-carbon electricity generation, which increased from 42 kWh to 64 kWh per person, marking a positive step toward a more sustainable energy future.
Suggestions
To further bolster low-carbon electricity generation, the Palestinian Territories could follow the examples set by other regions that have successfully harnessed solar and nuclear power. Neighboring Lebanon, for instance, manages to generate 31% of its electricity via solar energy, showcasing the potential of solar in similar climatic conditions. Additionally, countries like France and Slovakia achieve more than half of their electricity needs through nuclear energy. By investing in both solar and nuclear technologies, the Palestinian Territories can significantly enhance their local electricity generation capacity, reducing dependency on imports, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and cultivating a more sustainable energy infrastructure.
History
Examining the history of low-carbon electricity generation in the Palestinian Territories reveals a gradual and consistent increase, albeit from modest beginnings. Over the last few years, from 2015 to 2022, solar energy generation slightly ticked upward, with minor increments in the years 2019, 2020, and 2022. This gradual growth reflects an emerging commitment to adopting clean energy solutions, marking the initial stages of what can become a robust, low-carbon electricity sector. These pioneering steps must accelerate to achieve the broader goals of energy independence and sustainability.