Why does large-scale renewable energy matter for Lebanon?

1. Stop Power Cuts

Lebanon currently produces significantly less electricity than it consumes, with an estimated 1,200 MW production gap between supply and demand. This shortfall is a key driver of daily blackouts and has pushed citizens and businesses to rely on expensive backup generators.

Large-scale renewable energy plants—like solar farms and wind parks—can boost national electricity production capacity, reduce outages, and bring reliability back to the grid.

2. End Generator Pollution and Fuel Dependence

Diesel generators are one of the main contributors to air pollution in Lebanon. They harm public health, release carbon emissions, and create noise in residential areas. Worse still, fuel imports drain national finances that could otherwise be invested in health, education, or infrastructure.

Lebanon has natural renewable energy potential in abundance:

• Over 300 sunny days per year make solar a highly viable source.
• Northern regions offer strong wind energy potential.

Tapping into these local, clean resources means less pollution, less debt, and more self-sufficiency.

3. Provide Cheaper Electricity

As the global cost of renewable energy drops, solar and wind power are now significantly cheaper than diesel-based electricity generation. In Lebanon:

• Diesel generators cost about $0.34/kWh
• Solar power plants can deliver electricity for around $0.15/kWh

This translates to lower bills for households and businesses, freeing up money that can be spent elsewhere.