In Lebanon, the current state of electricity consumption showcases a significant blend of fossil and low-carbon energy sources. As of 2023, a little over half of Lebanon's electricity is generated from fossil fuels, accounting for approximately 53%. Meanwhile, the other 47% comes from low-carbon sources, with solar energy being a widely used low-carbon option making up almost a third of the total electricity generation. Another noteworthy contributor under the low-carbon category is hydropower, which provides about 15% of the nation's electricity. This almost equal split between fossil fuel and low-carbon energy sources depicts a noteworthy shift towards cleaner electricity, although fossil fuels still maintain a slight edge in dominance.
Is Electricity Growing in Lebanon?
Despite a promising inclination towards low-carbon electricity, Lebanon's overall electricity consumption is currently experiencing a decline. The latest figures reveal that electricity consumption stands at 783 kWh per person annually, a drastic drop from its peak of 3,741 kWh per person in 2019, reflecting a massive reduction of nearly 3,000 kWh per person. Encouragingly though, the generation of low-carbon electricity has marginally increased, climbing to 371 kWh per person from 346 kWh the previous year. Although this represents a moderate degree of growth in clean energy generation, the overall decrease in electricity consumption is problematic for a nation striving for sustainable development.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Lebanon can invest more in expanding solar energy. With solar power already contributing significantly, further development in this area could drive a more substantial shift toward sustainable energy. Additionally, Lebanon can draw lessons from leading regions in low-carbon electricity. For example, France and Slovakia illustrate the immense potential of nuclear energy, with more than half of their electricity generated through nuclear power. Similarly, Denmark and Iowa are exemplary in harnessing wind energy, with both deriving more than half of their electricity through this clean source. Emulating these approaches could propel Lebanon to new heights in low-carbon electricity generation, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels while addressing environmental challenges like climate change and air pollution.
History
Looking back at historical data, Lebanon's journey toward low-carbon electricity primarily involves developments in hydropower and, more recently, solar energy. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, hydropower experienced fluctuations, with both surges and declines in generation. For instance, the early 2000s witnessed a notable growth phase, particularly between 2002 and 2003, when hydropower spiked by 1 TWh combined. However, this trend reversed at times, as observed in the mid-2010s that included decreases such as a substantial decline of 1 TWh in 2014. In the past few years, solar energy has gained momentum, with a significant increase of 1 TWh in 2022. This development marks a critical turning point, emphasizing the potential for solar advancement to complement and enhance Lebanon’s low-carbon electricity production.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.