Israel

Energy strategies in Israel

Israel has very limited energy resources. Its energy economy is based on imported fossil fuels.

Domestic solar water heaters provide approximately 2% of the primary energy supply and natural gas energy currently stands at 0,1 % of the gross energy consumption. Both these forms of energy are being developed for larger consumption in the future.

The country's primary goal is to ensure reliable and high quality supplies of energy while preserving environmental quality to create the foundation for long-term sustainability.

Private companies are involved in the production and distribution of new energy sources, including cogeneration, geothermal energy, photovoltaic cell technology and solar panels.

In addition to a gradual transition to cleaner fuels as a result of greater environmental awareness, current energy policy calls for increasing the use of natural gas, upgrading the efficiency of the power station system, encouraging commercialization of processes and technologies for clean energy production, exploiting alternative energy sources available in Israel and reducing energy loss as a result of long-distance transport.

Israel is among the world leaders in the development and utilization of solar energy technology. Most homes use solar water heating, reducing national fuel consumption by approximately 3%.

The fact that most of the energy production sector is public constitutes a structural barrier against development and use of RE sources and cleaner fossil fuel techniques. It is anticipated that increased competition will allow small and clean producers to sell electricity to the distribution system and will accelerate the move to clean energy. Additional barriers include insufficient government allocations for research and development on "clean" energy production and RES and lack of economic incentives for developing and using clean energy sources.

In addition to a gradual transition to cleaner fuels as a result of greater environmental awareness, current energy policy calls for increasing the use of natural gas, upgrading the efficiency of the power station system, encouraging commercialization of processes and technologies for clean energy production, exploiting alternative energy sources available in Israel and reducing energy loss as a result of long-distance transport.

Three main energy technologies have been developed in Israel for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner production:

• Introduction of natural gas.
• Development and commercialization of solar energy.
• Improvements in fuel quality for stationary and mobile sources.

Renewable Energy in Israel: The Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute

Israel Renewable Energy Cooperative

Renewable Energy Business in Israel: Source Guides