Electricity in Israel in 2023
In 2023, Israel's electricity consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 85% of the supply coming from these sources. Gas plays the dominant role, accounting for over 70% of electricity generation, while coal contributes around 18%. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources make up a modest portion of the energy mix, at approximately 10%. Solar power stands out among the clean energy options, providing over 9% of the total electricity consumption. This illustrates a notable gap in the country's consumption pattern, as fossil fuels continue to overshadow the potential of cleaner energy sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Israel?
Regarding electricity growth, the total electricity consumption in Israel per person saw a decrease compared to the historic peak in 2019, moving down by 246 kWh/person. Specifically, the latest figure is 8039 kWh/person compared to the 8285 kWh/person peak. However, there is a positive development concerning low-carbon electricity generation, which increased significantly, reaching 845 kWh/person in 2023 from 637 kWh/person in 2022. This growth of 208 kWh/person reflects a promising trend towards greater adoption of clean energy, though the overall dip in total consumption may raise concerns about meeting future demands and sustainability goals.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Israel can look to successful regions that have pioneered the use of solar and nuclear power. In solar energy, the state of Nevada, which generates 33% of its electricity from this source, serves as a model. Israel could increase its investment in solar technology and optimize its geographic conditions similar to those in Nevada. For nuclear energy, France's electricity generation is a testament to its potential, with 70% of electricity derived from nuclear sources. Israel can draw lessons on policy and infrastructure development from France to expand its nuclear capability. By embracing both solar and nuclear power, Israel can significantly boost its share of low-carbon energy generation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to cleaner and more sustainable electricity production.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Israel shows a steady, if gradual, increase in solar and wind energy. In the 2010s, solar power saw incremental gains, beginning with negligible additions in 2010 to consistent yearly increases, peaking with significant growth in 2023 by 1.6 TWh. Wind energy has had lesser consistency but added positively to the mix in recent years, with noted contributions in 2017 and again in 2023. The establishment and expansion of solar energy have been positive, painting a promising future if further investments are pursued to accelerate the transition towards clean energy. The decline of wind in 2020 was disappointing but seems to have been mitigated by subsequent growth. By maintaining focus on capacity building, particularly in solar, and drawing from successes in regions with significant nuclear electricity, Israel can solidify and enhance its low-carbon footprint for years to come.
