Qatar announces ‘massive’ solar plant project in Lebanon | Energy News
Qatar to Establish Solar Plant in Lebanon Amid Energy Crisis
BEIRUT (AP) — Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani announced plans to construct a significant solar power plant in Lebanon during a visit to the Lebanese capital on Friday. This initiative aims to address Lebanon’s ongoing energy crisis.
Sheikh Mohammed made the announcement following a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. He stated that the two nations had reached an agreement to create a comprehensive framework for cooperation in the energy sector, focusing on viable solutions to Lebanon’s electricity challenges.
As part of this venture, QatarEnergy has partnered with TotalEnergies, a French company, to jointly develop the solar power facility. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the project is designed to foster economic benefits for Lebanon while providing opportunities for participating Qatari firms.
Prime Minister Salam indicated that he would present the energy sector plans to the Lebanese Cabinet in the near future. He remarked that the initiative would incur no costs to the Lebanese government, which is crucial given the nation’s severe financial crisis.
Lebanon’s state electricity provider has faced widespread criticism for its operations, contributing approximately $40 billion to the nation’s debt due to a combination of an overstretched workforce and outdated infrastructure. The company currently supplies only a few hours of electricity daily, and until recently, the government relied on advances from the Central Bank to procure diesel fuel.
Amid the energy discussion, Sheikh Mohammed expressed Qatar’s solidarity with the Lebanese people during these challenging times, acknowledging the broader regional implications of Lebanon’s crises. He stated that Qatar would work with the United States to prepare for future reconstruction efforts in southern Lebanon to facilitate the return of displaced individuals.
Earlier, Sheikh Mohammed met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. The discussions included current events in southern Lebanon, where ongoing Israeli military actions have raised significant concerns.
The Qatari Prime Minister raised the issue of “Israeli violations” within Lebanese territory, calling for an end to hostilities and urging a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. He noted that while a ceasefire was reached in June, Israeli assaults have persisted, impacting the local population significantly.
Lebanon’s authorities have reported over 4,300 fatalities linked to Israeli attacks since March. Despite the June ceasefire, approximately 300,000 individuals remain displaced, according to data from the International Organization for Migration.
Prime Minister Salam expressed gratitude to Qatar for its ongoing support during some of Lebanon’s most challenging periods.
