Qatar announces ‘massive’ solar plant project in Lebanon

Sheikh Mohammed also discussed Israeli ‘violations’ in Lebanese territory with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Save Share Qatar’s prime minister has announced plans to set up what he described as a “massive” solar plant in Lebanon to help ease itsenergy crisis. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani made the announcement during his visit to Beirut on Friday, after meeting his Lebanese counterpart, Nawaf Salam. “We have agreed to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation in the energy sector and to present viable solutions,” Sheikh Mohammed said. QatarEnergy has reached an agreement with French company TotalEnergies to jointly develop a solar power plant in Lebanon as an initial project. 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 put the plans for Lebanon’s electricity sector to the Lebanese Cabinet soon. “The Qatari side will fund, implement and activate the project without any cost on the Lebanese state,” Lebanon’s leader said, adding that such a move is important because of the country’s financial crisis. Lebanon’s state electricity company is one of the biggest sources of debt, haemorrhaging about $40bn over past decades with a bloated workforce and outdated infrastructure. The company provides only a few hours of electricity a day and the state, until a year ago, took advances from the Central Bank when diesel fuel ran out. Sheikh Mohammed said Doha stands in “solidarity with the Lebanese people” and the entire region “in this dire hour”. Lebanon has been struggling with multiple energy crises in recent years and the situation has been compounded by the country’s financial collapse andIsrael’s ongoing assault. Earlier in the day, the Qatari PM also met Lebanon’s president and parliament speaker. Among the topics discussed was the situation in southern Lebanon, where Israel continues its assault, capturing dozens of towns and villages. Sheikh Mohammed said “Israeli violations within the Lebanese territories” were a large part of his talks. He said that Israel should withdraw from Lebanon and cease its attacks, adding that Qatar is working in coordination with the United States to help lay the groundwork for future reconstruction in southern Lebanon to allow displaced people to return to their homes....