In the face of economic collapse, Lebanon is witnessing a silent yet powerful revolution – a shift towards solar energy. Amidst the spiraling economic crisis that began in 2019, the cost of electricity has soared as the Lebanese pound plummets. This has led families and businesses to reduce their energy consumption, sometimes even going without any power.
In response to this crisis, many Lebanese people have turned to solar power as a more affordable and reliable alternative. Today, solar panels are a common sight across the country, adorning rooftops and balconies. This transformation signifies a beacon of light, hope, and a sense of independence for the Lebanese and marks the dawn of the country’s solar revolution.
“Unprecedented” renewable energy bill
In its latest session held in December 2023, the General Authority of the Lebanese Parliament approved the Distributed Renewable Energy Production Bill which aims to reduce the state monopoly of local electricity production, encourage private investment, and align with the global shift towards alternative and renewable energies.
However, despite the law’s wide-ranging powers, it overlooks the absence of a regulatory body. It has ignored the “slackening” that has affected the network of Electricité du Liban which will play a prominent role in this context. Therefore, it can be said that this law will remain ‘on paper’ only until further notice.
What triggered the “unintentional” solar energy production?
Samar Khaleel, an expert in environmental management, highlighted to DevelopmentAid the unplanned surge in solar energy adoption in Lebanon as the country’s citizens sought alternatives amidst a worsening electricity crisis and soaring fuel prices. Despite government attempts to regulate solar panel installations and manage electronic waste, the overwhelming demand has made effective oversight challenging.
Persistent power outages have led to the widespread use of private gas generators in every building which contributes significantly to city pollution. The resulting air pollution, marked by black smoke, has forced residents to keep windows closed to protect their health, the expert explained.
However, Khaleel views the shift to solar energy positively. She suggests that individuals with the available space for energy generation could play a significant role by supplying excess energy to the state or selling it to neighbors. To harness the full potential of this initiative, Khaleel stresses the importance of strategic planning and comprehensive state-led regulations to minimize adverse environmental impacts and address the current disorder in the sector. According to her, a well-structured approach promises substantial positive outcomes for Lebanon’s energy landscape.
Paul Abi Rached, the President of TEREE Liban organization, confirmed to DevelopmentAid that, while environmental awareness does exist in Lebanon, the transition to solar energy did not primarily stem from environmental consciousness but, instead, the catalyst was fuel shortages and therefore the transition became a means to become-reliant in energy production.
“There is no turning back,” according to Abi Rached, and Lebanon is making remarkable progress in the field of solar energy, albeit unintentionally. The country’s significant strides have resulted from the state’s failure to secure a consistent electricity supply. While generators pose potential environmental and health threats, it was not this concern that initially drove the shift towards clean energy.
Solar energy as a “refuge”
The critical juncture came when the state stopped importing mazut and fuel due to the soaring dollar exchange rate which significantly impacted Lebanon’s economy and the daily lives of its population.
This, Abi Rached believes, inadvertently triggered the solar energy revolution which dates back to approximately three years to around 2020.
Abi Rached disclosed the ongoing initiatives of his organization, stating:
“We are launching a project to train municipalities on the principles of environmental governance. One of the key focus areas is clean energy that can serve as a cornerstone for environmentally conscious municipalities.”
Renowned renewable energy expert, Talal Zain, shed light on Lebanon’s solar energy evolution which initially lacked structure and standards. Despite plans from the Energy Conservation Center, execution on the ground resembled a process of trial-and-error.
However, the economic crisis in Lebanon has played a pivotal role in steering the trajectory of solar energy. With a complete breakdown of an official electricity supply and the scarcity of alternative fuel sources, solar energy emerged as a potentially viable solution between 2020 and 2022.
Amid financial constraints and an absence of a state electricity supply, Lebanon’s population turned to solar energy as a refuge rather than a revolutionary shift towards sustainability. Zain emphasized that the minimalistic approach adopted by people which was driven by financial limitations has turned solar energy into an acceptable option.
“Despite its benefits, there were no long-term prospects, making it a temporary sanctuary rather than a transformative revolution,” Zain told DevelopmentAid.
Zain highlighted the economic feasibility of solar energy, citing a payback period of 16-18 months compared to the cost of subscribing to private generators. It has become a practical solution and provides a safer alternative amidst the economic turmoil. Nevertheless, he clarifies that it will not replace state-supplied electricity or private generators but instead will complement these and constitute 65-70% of the energy solution.
