Facts and figures on reality of electricity production in Lebanon

EDL officials voiced their concern that the power shortage will spark a domestic conflict in Lebanon. Officials stress that in the presence of only 32% of employees and workers, they are doing their best to prevent further deterioration in the electricity sector, adding that no signs point at the fact that such deterioration can be averted. Electricity production in Lebanon from thermal and hydraulic plants in Lebanon does not provide the 2500 Megawatts that cater to the needs of the Lebanese.

On Wednesday January 25, electricity production reached 1463 Megawatts, 1355 produced by thermal plants and 108 by thermal plants. Egypt provides Lebanon with 30 Megawatts of electricity, albeit not on a regular basis. 1037 Megawatts are still needed to fill the gap.  

The Zahrani and Deir Ammar plants, both built in 1997, and Baalbak and Tyr power plants, both established in 1996, are working with their full capacity. The same goes for the Hraicha power plant that was established in 1983.

In Zouk power plant, established in 1984, only the first and the forth groups are operating while the second group is under maintenance and can be linked to the grid by next week, while the third group is also under maintenance but won’t be functional until May.  

In Jiyeh power plant, built in 1970, three groups are operating while one group was damaged and is being repaired and another group is under maintenance.