Renewable Energy Technologies in Lebanon:
Many global stakeholders have consistently argued that renewable energy is the most viable pathway toward achieving sustainability. International institutions and national governments have also reiterated this point. Over the years, countries have gathered to agree on a uniform approach to guarantee renewable energy integration. Since then, countries have made respective commitments and goals on renewable energy.
Lebanon is a case in point. In 2018, the Lebanese government announced that it planned to source 30% of its energy from renewables by 2030. Other countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE have also made their renewable energy commitments. However, while Lebanon’s plans may seem ambitious, the country has the necessary qualities to achieve them. This is because Lebanon has abundant sunlight (suitable for solar energy) and enormous wind potential.
However, despite these resources, Lebanon has largely been reliant on fossil fuels. The country also experiences regular power cuts. These factors have increased the widespread demand for renewable energy integration. Renewable energy adoption seems to be increasing in the country, although slowly. For instance, Lebanon gets a fraction of its power from hydrocarbon. Hydro sources make up about 8.7% of the country’s total energy generation. While this is significant, it still accounts for a low percentage of total energy generation.
In recent years, renewable energy companies and startups have emerged to meet market demand and fill Lebanon’s renewable energy void. The country recently issued licenses to eleven renewable energy companies. These licenses empower the companies to build solar plants with a capacity of 15MW.
Renewable Energy Technologies in Lebanon
- Solar Photovoltaic Technology: Solar energy is undoubtedly one of the most popular renewable energy sources. This is largely because it can easily be harnessed by households. Solar photovoltaic panels have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the demand for a reliable energy source to ensure an uninterrupted power supply. So far, this technology has experienced significant penetration across Lebanon.
- Solar Batteries: Solar energy stores energy from the sun. However, the bulk of this energy goes to waste because many households and companies are not equipped to save it. Solar batteries provide a viable solution by storing excess energy generated by panels. This excess energy can subsequently be used during hot periods.
- Green Hydrogen Energy: Hydrogen is one of the energy sources with the most potential for green footprints. It can be burnt with little to no carbon emissions. However, scientists have faced significant problems with harnessing hydrogen energy in an environmentally-beneficial manner. In recent years, technologies have been created for hydrogen to be utilized in a green and carbon-free manner.
Conclusion
Now more than ever, Lebanon needs to be intentional about pushing its green energy drive. Given that the country has the needed resources, it will be relatively easier to use policies as a tool to attract investors and companies.
