NNA - Caretaker Energy and Water Minister, Dr. Walid Fayad, on Wednesday launched a new tender via the public procurement platform for the construction of an 8 MW solar power plant using photovoltaic cells. 

Fayad announced that the project will be funded by the ministry’s budget and connected to Lebanon’s national grid. 

The plant, to be built along the Beirut River, will be the largest solar energy project in Lebanon to date. 

The ministry of energy highlighted in a statement that it previously established a 1 MW solar plant on the same river, which has been operating efficiently. 

Lebanon currently has 1,500 MW of installed solar capacity, covering 20% of the country's energy consumption.

The ministry has also finalized the National Renewable Energy Plan for 2024-2030, aiming to surpass 30% renewable energy by 2030, with an ambitious target of 55%. 

Companies in the solar sector are invited to participate in the tender. Offers are due within 45 days.