Israel Continues to Push Energy Efficiency as an Impressive Example

Israel continues on its path of energy efficiency, with both new and old technology leading the way. Israel made a stand in September 2015 to reduce it energy consumption by 17% by 2030. The goal is to be able to reduce efficiency for the same services, and in April 2016, the government introduced a national plan to be able to meet their target.

Energy efficiency projects are being supported by the government that will provide financial support to projects that work on boosting effic levels.

Israel’s energy usage is on the rise, primarily due to air conditioning usage rising, and it hit a head in 2012. Blackouts started to plague the country as the Israel Electric Corporation tried to keep energy levels below maximum generating capacity.

Rising temperatures led the summer of 2012 blackouts with air conditioning accounting for 42% of electricy during peak hours.

Initial steps in 2012 were modest with officials asking users to keep thermostats at 25C. Each degree lower would reduce energy consumption by 5%, but relying on consumers to take the steps needed to reduce consumption is asking too much.

Government initiatives are helping consumers make sense of energy reduction.

Four stages of implementation have been added into the national plan with the main elements of the plan being cash infusements. Between 2016 and 2025, the government has allocated NIS 500 million to invest in loans in green house gas emissions and energy efficiency projects.

An additional NIS 300 million will be put towards energy efficiency project grants. This funding will be put towards small- and medium-sized businesses based on competition.

The initial stage funded 94 projects with NIS 75 million, and most recently, the second phase has begun. Stage two began in April 2018 with another NIS 74 million being provided to energy efficiency projects. The stage includes projects that are related towards local authorities, smll- and medium-sized businesses and innovative Israeli technologies.

Homeowners are being encouraged to take part with small changes, including changing to flourescent lights or insulating homes to reduce energy loss. Replacing windows alone can help save 25% – 30% of a home’s energy which escapes through the windows in the summer and winter months.

Energy efficiency plans have been in place for years with the government approving a 2010 plan to reduce green house gas emissions by 20% by the year 2020.

The Energy Ministry also forecast in February that the country would eliminate its reliance on coal, gasoline and diesel within a 12-year period. The country plans to become fully reliant on alternative fuels and natural gas for transportation and energy production. The country also plans, from 2030 onward, to not allow automobiles that run on diesel or gasoline.

Israel hopes to be able to, by 2030, have all of the country’s electricity be produced by 17% renewables and 83% natural gases, down from a 50% split between natural gas and coal as was the case in 2014.

Israel’s impressive initiatives and investment in energy efficiency allows the country to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, boosts businesses and helps local economies, too.