Caretaker Energy Minister Walid Fayad (R) with Indian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammad Noor Rahman Sheikh (L) (Credit: Walid Fayad's press office)
BEIRUT — Caretaker Energy Minister Walid Fayad signed an agreement Tuesday for Lebanon to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA), with the Indian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammad Noor Rahman Sheikh, in attendance, according to Fayad’s press office.
"The International Solar Alliance, launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-French President [Francois Holland] at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-21) in Paris in 2015, is a cooperative platform ... aimed at increasing the deployment of solar technologies to provide energy access, ensure energy security and drive energy transition in member countries,” the statement said.
Since the end of the civil war, Lebanon's electricity production capacity has been severely limited due to financial issues at the public provider, which worsened with the onset of the crisis in 2019.
Fayad described the agreement with the ISA as “a turning point in Lebanon’s journey toward achieving energy sustainability." He also noted that it "would open doors for cooperation with member countries, allowing Lebanon to benefit from international expertise and financial resources to support its solar energy projects.”
“We are committed to accelerating the adoption of renewable energy, particularly solar energy, as part of our national strategy to secure a sustainable and economic energy future,” he added.
Fayad highlighted that Lebanon has already made “significant strides” in this area, including the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP), which aims for a 30% share of renewable energy by 2030 and signing the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for major solar energy projects.
“Several initiatives in this regard will be announced during the Beirut Energy Week scheduled for September 18-20, 2024,” Fayad said.
He also emphasized India’s role as the founding country of the ISA and a global leader in solar energy, noting that Lebanon’s relationship with India will significantly enhance its energy capabilities and expand cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
Lebanon becomes the 120th country to sign the ISA Framework Agreement, joining France, U.S.A, U.K., Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, Oman, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Brazil, Argentina, and others.
“With Lebanon enjoying abundant sunshine for 330 days a year, the accession to the ISA is expected to lead to the implementation of more solar energy projects in Lebanon to help meet its energy needs,” the statement concluded.
This agreement was signed amid a blackout by the state power provider Electricite du Liban (EDL), ongoing since 17 Aug. due to fuel depletion
EDL's power plants regularly run out of fuel, causing chronic electricity shortages in the country and forcing Lebanese citizens to rely on private generators, solar power or other means.