Israel’s energy sector is under scrutiny as a recent study reveals significant vulnerabilities that could leave critical sites without electricity during wartime. The research, led by Dr. Erez Cohen from Ariel University, highlights the dangers of overreliance on natural gas and a lack of adequate storage capacity within the country’s electricity infrastructure. These factors could result in severe disruptions during crises.
The study, published in the journal Energy Sources, Part B: Economics, Planning, and Policy, warns that approximately 70% of Israel’s electricity generation is dependent on natural gas sourced from the Tamar and Leviathan gas fields, which lack backup reserves. Such reliance puts the nation at risk of outages from missile attacks, terrorism, or cyber threats.
The findings are particularly concerning given the State Comptroller’s report, which predicts a potential natural gas shortage by 2026. This shortfall could inflict economic damage estimated in the hundreds of millions of shekels. Additionally, despite achieving about 12% of electricity generation from renewable sources, Israel’s storage systems remain nearly nonexistent, hindering supply continuity during emergencies.
Critical Weaknesses Identified
Dr. Cohen identifies four key weaknesses in Israel’s energy sector that exacerbate its vulnerability. The first is the aforementioned overdependence on natural gas. This reliance, he argues, makes the electricity grid particularly susceptible to disruptions from various threats.
Secondly, the anticipated supply-demand gap poses a significant risk. The impending natural gas shortage could lead to widespread economic impacts, as highlighted in the State Comptroller’s findings.
The third weakness is the lack of storage capacity, which is crucial for maintaining a stable energy supply during times of crisis. Without sufficient backup systems, even renewable energy sources may not compensate for the shortfall.
Lastly, the high level of centralization in Israel’s national grid means that damage to a major power station or gas platform could result in extensive blackouts across the country. Dr. Cohen paints a dire picture: hospitals, water facilities, and essential services could be left without energy when it is needed most.
“In the Gaza war, we saw how our dependence on natural gas made us vulnerable. Any malfunction or hit on a central facility could paralyze the entire economy at a critical moment,” Dr. Cohen stated.
Moving Towards a Resilient Future
Dr. Cohen emphasizes that solutions to these vulnerabilities require proactive government action. He advocates for a transition away from a centralized energy system reliant on a few offshore gas platforms. Instead, he suggests developing decentralized microgrids that can keep critical areas operational during national grid failures.
Investment in energy storage is another critical area for development. Dr. Cohen asserts that enhancing storage capacity is not merely an environmental consideration but a necessary step towards national security.
“This isn’t an environmental luxury; it’s a national safety net,” he said. “Without storage capacity, even renewable energy won’t save us in a moment of crisis.”
In addition to physical decentralization, Dr. Cohen calls for the establishment of a comprehensive digital and security defense network. He proposes the creation of a joint emergency coordination unit that would integrate the defense establishment, the Energy Ministry, and the Cyber Authority. This unit would be responsible for managing the electricity sector in real-time during emergencies.
Dr. Cohen concludes with a stark reminder of the strategic importance of electricity. “We tend to think of electricity as a consumer product, but in reality, it’s a strategic weapon. If we don’t ensure backup, storage, and decentralization, we may find ourselves in the dark, precisely when we need the light the most.”
As Israel navigates its energy challenges, the call for systemic change is more urgent than ever to safeguard the nation’s critical infrastructure against unforeseen disruptions.
