Beirut River Solar Snake
tenders second phase

Project to generate seven megawatts of power

Electricité du Liban (EDL) has launched the tender to implement the second phase of the Beirut River Solar Snake (BRSS) project, which is expected to generate seven megawatts (MW) of electricity.

The BRSS aims to build a solar energy farm on top of the Beirut River by covering it with photovoltaic panels. The project was designed to be built over ten phases, each expected to produce one MW.

“The EDL got encouraged by the project and went ahead to build seven megawatts,” said Pierre Khoury, Director of the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation.

The second phase will see the installation of solar panels across 2,100 meters over the river's bed.

EDL commissioned the first phase of the BRSS in 2015. Twenty-five international and local companies bid on the project. The $3.4 million contract was awarded to a joint venture between local firms Asaco and Phoenix. The first phase produces one MW.

“We expect that the new tender will attract at least 50 to 60 interested companies,” Khoury said.

Panels will be linked to the national power grid run by the EDL.

Once complete, the BRSS will provide 10,000 households with electricity.

Companies that wish to bid on the project are requested to visit EDL offices to pick up the tender documents. Bids must be submitted by December 21.