Energy in Lebanon

Energy in Lebanon is characterized by a heavy reliance on imported fuels, which has led to significant challenges in ensuring a stable and sufficient supply of electricity.

[12] In 1954, the Lebanese government established Electricité du Liban (EDL) under the name Office d'Electricité et des Transports en Commun, marking the beginning of state control over the electricity sector.

[14] However, due to favorable access to cheap fuel from Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Lebanon gradually shifted its focus to thermoelectric plants.

[15] The nationalization of the electricity sector in 1964 allowed EDL to dominate the market; however, it coexisted with independent entities managing the hydropower plants on the Litani, Nahr Ibrahim, and Bared rivers, as well as local distribution concessions in towns like Zahle, Jbeil, Aley, and Bhamdoun.

[17] This gap has led to frequent and widespread blackouts, forcing many Lebanese households and businesses to rely on private diesel generators, which are both costly and environmentally damaging.

The situation deteriorated further in 2021 when Karpowership, a Turkish company providing Lebanon with 370 MW of electricity through power ships, halted supplies due to payment arrears and legal disputes.

[24][25] A comprehensive survey of 150 municipalities across all Lebanese governorates reveals a substantial rise in the percentage of residential, commercial, and industrial units equipped with solar PV systems.

Moreover, international sanctions linked to Hezbollah's activities have isolated Lebanon economically, making it difficult for the country to secure foreign investments and partnerships essential for developing its energy infrastructure.

[28] These factors have contributed to Lebanon's ongoing energy crisis, characterized by frequent power shortages and heavy reliance on costly fuel imports.