Qatar and Lebanon will soon sign a memorandum of understanding on an electricity supply project: under this project, Qatar will significantly expand its presence in Lebanon and provide assistance to the Lebanese government with the supply of electricity and natural gas.
According to the Lebanese TV channel LBC, the project will begin only after government approval under an intergovernmental agreement.
After completing the necessary procedures, the Qatari company UCC will implement the project. During the first six months, the company plans to supply Lebanon with 300 MW of electricity through Syria. Within two years, supply capacity should increase to 2000 MW thanks to projects implemented in Lebanon, and within three years it should reach 3000 MW.
The sources also said that the project envisages supplying natural gas to Lebanon via Syria, as well as using a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in northern Lebanon.
In preparation for gas supplies, UCC tested the gas pipeline connecting Syria to the Deir Ammar power station after its repairs were completed. The tests confirmed the readiness of the pipeline for operation. The company previously awarded a $1.5 million grant to fund renovations.
In addition, sources told LBCI that Qatar has notified Lebanese officials that progress on the electricity project will open the door for Lebanon to join a new oil pipeline project that would run from southern Iraq to Baniyas in Syria, with the prospect of a further extension to Lebanon.