The Zahrani and Deir Ammar power plants are set to resume more consistent electricity production after a 10-day interruption that began on August 17 due to a fuel shortage.
Sources at the electricity company informed This is Beirut that a ship carrying 30,000 tons of Egyptian diesel arrived in Lebanon on Monday evening. “Unloading tests are underway, and the fuel will be distributed between the Deir Ammar (North Lebanon) and Zahrani (South Lebanon) plants,” the sources added, noting that this will enable Electricité du Liban to generate approximately 400 megawatts of electricity.
The public supplier also generates 70 megawatts through hydroelectric installations. This combined output will provide between 3 and 4 hours of electricity per day to citizens and will power the country’s essential infrastructure.
It is important to mention that Caretaker Minister of Energy Walid Fayad announced the arrival of the ship with 30,000 tons of Algerian fuel on Monday.
Additionally, the next shipment of fuel oil, as part of the contract between Lebanon and Iraq, is expected to arrive in the second week of September.
In an interview with Algerian media, Fayad clarified that “Iraq provides Lebanon with enough fuel to generate 600 megawatts, but currently, Lebanon needs an additional 600 megawatts, totaling 1,200 megawatts.”
He emphasized the importance of diversifying fuel supply sources to mitigate any potential delays from a single supplier.
Fayad also expressed his appreciation for Algeria’s support and hopes that this collaboration will enhance energy cooperation between the two countries, potentially extending to gas and other areas.
