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Qatar Solar Plant Project to Ease Lebanon Energy Crisis — AI-generated representative image: Solar panels under construction in Lebanon, illustrating Qatar-funded renewable energy plans to ease the country's power cris

Editorial Team

QatarEnergy and TotalEnergies to jointly develop the facility, funded by Doha at no cost to Lebanon

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani announced plans on Friday to build what he described as a "massive" solar plant in Lebanon, aiming to help ease the country's prolonged energy crisis. The announcement came during his visit to Beirut, following a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

The initiative carries particular weight because Lebanon's state electricity company is among the country's largest sources of debt, and the project would be implemented without imposing any cost on the financially strained Lebanese state. It also signals renewed Gulf investment in a nation grappling with economic collapse and ongoing conflict.

Energy Cooperation Framework

Sheikh Mohammed said the two sides agreed to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation in the energy sector and to present viable solutions. As an initial project, QatarEnergy reached an agreement with French company TotalEnergies to jointly develop the solar power plant in Lebanon.

The aim is to develop a major investment project that would benefit the Lebanese economy as well as the Qatari companies and entities participating in it, he added. Prime Minister Salam said he would present the plans for Lebanon's electricity sector to the Lebanese Cabinet soon.

Lebanon's Deepening Energy and Economic Strain

Lebanon's state electricity company has haemorrhaged about $40 billion over past decades due to a bloated workforce and outdated infrastructure. It provides only a few hours of electricity a day, and until a year ago the state took advances from the Central Bank when diesel fuel ran out.

The country has struggled with multiple energy crises in recent years, a situation compounded by its financial collapse and Israel's ongoing assault. Sheikh Mohammed said Doha stands in solidarity with the Lebanese people and the entire region in this dire hour.

Funding Terms and Regional Talks

"The Qatari side will fund, implement and activate the project without any cost on the Lebanese state," Prime Minister Salam said, adding that such a move is important because of the country's financial crisis. Salam also thanked Qatar for its continuous support during some of Lebanon's darkest hours.

Earlier in the day, the Qatari prime minister met Lebanon's president and parliament speaker. Among the topics discussed was the situation in southern Lebanon, where Israel continues its assault and has captured dozens of towns and villages.

What Happens Next

Sheikh Mohammed said Israeli violations within Lebanese territories were a large part of his talks, and that Israel should withdraw from Lebanon and cease its attacks. He added that Qatar is working in coordination with the United States to lay the groundwork for future reconstruction in southern Lebanon to allow displaced people to return home.

Lebanese authorities say Israeli attacks have killed more than 4,300 people since March, with more than 300,000 people still displaced, according to the International Organization for Migration. The solar project plans now await presentation to the Lebanese Cabinet.