Energy and Water Minister Joe Saddi said Lebanon is working to rehabilitate the electricity sector through a defined roadmap, stressing that recovery is essential regardless of the time required and that restoring investor confidence in the sector is a priority.
Speaking at a press conference, Saddi announced the need to build two power plants in Zahrani and Deir Ammar at an estimated cost of USD 2 billion, noting that work is underway on two parallel tracks with foreign countries and the World Bank Group.
Saddi encouraged investment in renewable energy and highlighted plans to rehabilitate the Nahr al-Bared power station and three hydroelectric plants on the Litani River, as well as to transition the sector to natural gas with diversified sources.
Saddi also confirmed efforts to establish an electricity interconnection with Cyprus, explaining that the World Bank will finance a feasibility and economic study for the project.
Moreover, the Minister underlined the importance of regulatory bodies, noting that despite limited resources they are performing effectively. He added that the process of appointing a board for Electricité du Liban has begun, alongside efforts to identify and prosecute violations, pointing out that around 30% of electricity is stolen at a cost of about USD 200 million annually.
The minister also said coordination with the judiciary is ongoing to pursue major offenders, and that 80% of public sector electricity bills will be paid to Electricité du Liban.
Speaking at a press conference, Saddi announced the need to build two power plants in Zahrani and Deir Ammar at an estimated cost of USD 2 billion, noting that work is underway on two parallel tracks with foreign countries and the World Bank Group.
Saddi encouraged investment in renewable energy and highlighted plans to rehabilitate the Nahr al-Bared power station and three hydroelectric plants on the Litani River, as well as to transition the sector to natural gas with diversified sources.
Saddi also confirmed efforts to establish an electricity interconnection with Cyprus, explaining that the World Bank will finance a feasibility and economic study for the project.
Moreover, the Minister underlined the importance of regulatory bodies, noting that despite limited resources they are performing effectively. He added that the process of appointing a board for Electricité du Liban has begun, alongside efforts to identify and prosecute violations, pointing out that around 30% of electricity is stolen at a cost of about USD 200 million annually.
The minister also said coordination with the judiciary is ongoing to pursue major offenders, and that 80% of public sector electricity bills will be paid to Electricité du Liban.
