The electricity sector in Israel is the main cause for air pollution, caused by the consumption of fuels. Israel’s power stations emit 65% of the sulfur dioxide, 45% of the nitrogen dioxide, 38% of the particles and 60% of the carbon dioxide emitted yearly into the atmosphere. In January 2009, The Socioeconomic cabinet in Israel decided that 10% of the country’s electricity would be generated by renewable energy sources by 2020 with land, incentives and tariffs determined. This will save about 35 million tons of carbon dioxide by 2020, which means that about 8.5 billion KwH will be produced from clean sources of energy. In addition, an interim target of 5% of savings has been set for 2014 which means 3.4 billion KwH. As a comparison a 600 MW natural gas generated power station that operates 6,000 hours a year produces about 3.6 billion KwH a year. In December 2009, President Peres represented Israel at the Copenhagen conference where he declared a goal for Israel of reducing the growth in emissions by 20% by 2020, namely a 20% reduction compared to business as usual scenario. If Israel continues business as usual it will double its emissions by 2030 to 71 million tons of carbon dioxide to 142 according to an analysis carried out by McKinsey. However, Israel can reduce that increase to around 30% by implementing certain technologies and using more natural gas and alternative energy in place of coal and oil, according to McKinsey. McKinsey has developed a methodology that it has applied in 21 countries. Slowing the increase would involve heavy investment in the short-term, but in the long-term the savings would more than balance the initial investment according to the analysis. It is hard for Israel to reduce its emissions because of a higher than average for developed countries population growth and in increasing standard of living which lead to more demand for electricity. Tons of emissions per person per year in Israel come out to 10.2 which is slightly higher than in Western Europe and about half as much as in the US. 55% of greenhouse emissions in Israel are generated by the production of electricity, 18% from transportation, 10% from garbage and less than 5% each from a variety of industries such as agriculture, cement and buildings. Much of the reduction in growth of emissions can be brought about through several specific changes. In order of reduction potential they are: (1) Using more solar thermal and photovoltaic solar energy to produce 25% of electricity; (2) Making internal combustion cars more efficient; (3) Green building; (4) Efficient lighting; (5) Renovating homes; (6) Switching the fuel basket away from coal and oil to natural gas and biomass, (7) Switching to electric cars; (8) Using wind turbines. The report continued by saying that Israel was limited in its potential for emission reductions because of a lack of nuclear, hydroelectric and biomass power as well as lack of carbon capture and storage technology. In addition, the PA’s emissions are counted against Israel adding another 6% or 8 million tons. Also, Israel lacks a heavy industry that has reduction potential.
