Caretaker Energy Minister Walid Fayad heading a meeting at his ministry on Oct. 17, 2024. (Credit Fayad's press office)
BEIRUT — "Fuel is available, and electricity demand has decreased due to the realities of war, while ships continue to deliver diesel and fuel regularly," caretaker Energy Minister Walid Fayad said Thursday during a meeting at the ministry's headquarters with companies interested in the “tender for the design, construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of the hydroelectric power plant in Harash, Jeita,” Fayad’s press office said in a statement Thursday.
"Despite the state's limited resources and the fuel stock of Electricité du Liban, we are working with the Electricity Authority to ensure operational continuity and maintain service levels while preserving financial liquidity as much as possible to repair damages, particularly those caused by Israeli aggression. Fuel is available, and electricity demand has decreased due to the realities of war, while ships continue to deliver diesel and fuel regularly," Fayad said during the meeting.
Fayad explained, "What is reassuring is the geographic and decentralized distribution of the electricity production system. Approximately 60 percent of Lebanon's electricity needs are met through thousands of private generators, which cannot all be destroyed due to their geographic distribution across various regions. Additionally, 20 percent is provided by solar energy systems, while only 20 percent is secured through the centralized production system operated by [the state-electricity provider] Electricité du Liban, which is distributed across four areas."
Regarding the project, Fayad said, "I wanted to convey this message today, noting that we are still in the first step of this project, which is modest in terms of its economic size and the services it can provide, but significant in its symbolism. It will save two million dollars annually by securing six million kilowatt-hours that benefit the water sector," he explained.
Fayad assured attendees that fuel supplies are available and that, due to the realities of war, demand for electricity has decreased, while diesel and fuel deliveries from ships remain regular.
"I rely on your commitment to submit competitive bids as part of your contribution to nation-building," he added.
Fayad condemned the "brutal Israeli attacks targeting residential areas and the genocides committed against civilians." He also denounced the assaults on infrastructure and its destruction, asserting that "there are no limits to the enemy's crimes."
The minister indicated that intensive communications are ongoing at various levels with the international community and active countries to neutralize attacks on infrastructure and prevent civilian casualties.
Fayad expressed hope for "diplomatic efforts to halt international support and armament for the Israeli enemy, aiming to limit its brutal escalation and intensify communications to prevent Israel and its supporters from imposing an air, land, and sea blockade on Lebanon that hinders the entry of essential materials and humanitarian aid, exacerbating the suffering of the Lebanese people."
Since Sept. 23, a year-long conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has intensified.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed at least 2,350 people over the last year, according to the Health Ministry, and more than 1.2 million people have been displaced. The U.N. says a quarter of the country is under evacuation orders. The toll does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but includes hundreds of women and children.
Around 50 Israelis, both soldiers and civilians, have been killed in the same period, according to Israeli sources.