Caretaker Energy Minister Cesar Abi Khalil stressed Saturday that “the accomplishments they have achieved since 2010 cannot be overlooked after adding 715 megawatts to the power grid, despite the systematic destruction of the Electricité Du Liban according some parties’ agenda.”
Speaking to LBCI’s Nharkom Said talk show, Abi Khalil stated that “during the negotiations conducted to extend the contract of the floating power plants, the company offered a third ship, free of charge, which raised concerns within the cabinet, mainly Minister Gebran Bassil, over a possible extension for more than three months and incurring its cost,” noting that this is why they decided to keep it for only three months until October 20.
He refused to reveal the names of the officials who rejected the third ship in Zahrani in order not to disrupt the current situation in the country, pointing out that MP Nawaf al-Moussawi was the first to support this demand, while it was rejected by others.
The caretaker minister declared that all the regions in Keserwan and some areas in Metn, between Mteileb and Sannine, as well as Jbeil regions, that receive their supply from Reis field will benefit from a 22 to 24-hour power supply.
“The supply will improve across Lebanon due to the free ship during a period of three months, but an addition power will be released in Keserwan, part of Metn and Jbeil to reach 24 hours,” he explained.
“We will enjoy a 24-hour supply when the construction of the power plants is finished,” he said, revealing that they will test the smart meters to control the supply and attempt to guarantee 24 hours even before finishing the plants.
In this regard, Abi Khalil stated that the issue of the free power ship clearly showed what has been preventing a solution for the electricity issue over the past 9 years.
Commenting on the issue of Deir Amar, the minister revealed that the issue has been resolved, adding that two new plants have been established in Zouk and Jiyeh, and funding has been ensured for two others in Selaata and Zahrani. He stressed that until these plants on land are ready to operate, Lebanon needs urgent power provided by ships, which costs less than plants on land.
“Ensuring a funding for the Selaata and Zahrani power plants took one and half years and they will be built by the private sector,” Abi Khalil clarified, adding that the first payment has not yet been paid and this is reason behind the delay. “Building these plants is expected to take 3 to 4 years.”
In the same regard, he said that contacts are being made with the Syrian energy minister on energy matters, noting however, that they have been avoiding bringing power from Syria, “because it is the highest cost.”
On a related note, the energy minister stated that the liquefied natural gas tender is underway; adding that Lebanon will have stations to receive liquefied natural gas after one and half years.