Electricity ministers from Lebanon, Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and a representative of the Jordanian Power Minister convened in Beirut on Wednesday to discuss latest updates on the project. It connects power networks in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, Palestine, and Libya which was absent from the meeting.

Lebanese Minister of Power and Water, Gebran Bassil, said that the project is essential for all Arab countries involved since many of them face power outrages, similar to Lebanon. He said that if the project completes its way to successful fruition “power cuts will no longer exist

Bassil said that Lebanon has plans to produce around 4,500 to 5,000 megawatts of electricity by 2015 from only 1,500 to 1,800 megawatts currently. He said that increasing power output is part of a five-year plan which he has completed and will present for the cabinet for approval. The Minister said that the plan is vital for Lebanon which has a power shortage of nearly 1,000 megawatts of electricity, knowing that its current needs have reached 2,500 megawatts.

Turkish Minister of Power, Taner Yildiz , said that Turkey which has a surplus in electricity production of 5,000 megawatts, is ready “to launch joint projects with neighboring countries to help reduce their power gap.” He also called on the countries involved in the meeting to “modernize their power networks.”

The Syrian Minister of Power, Ahmad Kayali, called on Turkey to “link its power networks countries with the eight countries involved in the project at the same time.” He also called on Saudi Arabia and Egypt on one hand, and Libya and Tunisia on the other hand to accelerate plans to link their electricity grids, which will contribute to the welfare of all Arabs.

The Egyptian Minister of Power, Hassan Younis, said that the power linkage project is essential, hoping that more countries join the league. He said that his country will invite bids for in July to settle upon companies to complete the power linkage project with the Saudi Kingdom by 2012.

The Ministers also discussed plans to build nuclear power plants.