24-hour electricity
in Beirut next year

Tender to be launched in February

The Municipality of Beirut is preparing to provide the capital with 24-hour electricity next year, said Jamal Itani, Chairman of the Municipal Council.

Beirut needs between 150 and 200 megawatts to cover the daily blackout of four and a half hours on average.

“We have contacted Electricité du Liban (EDL) and the Ministry of Energy and Water, who responded positively to our proposal,” Itani said.

The terms of reference will be completed by the end of the month and the tender will be launched next month.

Itani said: “If everything goes according to plan, we hope Beirut will have nonstop electricity within the next nine to 12 months from awarding the contract.”

The new power plant will be located near one of the substations. The plant will either be financed jointly by the municipality and investors, or through private investments. Electricity would then be sold to EDL.