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Baroudi from Athens: Here's how the new government can
revitalize the energy sector within 90 days
Almarkazia- The incoming Lebanese government faces numerous challenges, perhaps the most pressing being the issue of securing electricity and eliminating neighbourhood generators, which cause significant pollution due to their use of fuel oil and sell electricity at a high price exceeding 50 cents per kilowatt.
In this context, international energy expert Roudi Baroudi spoke on the sidelines of the Athens Energy Summit held on February 5th and 6th in Athens. During a conversation with journalist Alexia Tasouli about the recent US liquefied natural gas exports to Europe, she asked him about reforming and restructuring the electricity sector in Lebanon.
He affirmed that with this new government, which has the ambition and will for reform and restructuring, the electricity sector in Lebanon can be put on the right track and achieve immediate accomplishments within 90 days.
Baroudi pointed to a series of measures that could lead to the realization of the Lebanese people's aspirations for launching the electricity sector within a maximum of 90 days, as follows:
Appointing the Electricity Regulatory Authority, which was stipulated in the Electricity Sector Regulation Law, a step hindered by political disputes for 23 years.
Enacting decrees that stipulate the independence of each of the electricity generation, distribution, and transmission activities and the establishment of companies in preparation for partnership with the private sector. Amendments should also be made to the Electricity Sector Regulation Law concerning renewable energy and its connection to the Lebanese electricity grid.
Appointing a new board of directors for Électricité du Liban (EDL) and a new director-general committed to implementing the government's plan.
Activating the Accelerated Electricity Works Program Law for the production of 700 megawatts.
Restructuring the Ministry of Energy and Water, especially since several laws have been issued in this regard, particularly concerning the minister's powers. This restructuring should be in line with the implementation of Law 462 regulating the electricity sector, and key vacancies should be filled by directors-general and their assistants with experience, competence, and an understanding of modern developments.
Appointing members to the board of directors of the Petroleum Sector to keep pace with the major developments in this important national file.
In conclusion, energy expert Roudi Baroudi stressed that the implementation of this roadmap, if adopted by the new minister and government, would be a strong and much-needed launch in a long-awaited file to achieve real success. He expressed his hope that President Joseph Aoun's term would achieve accomplishments in various sectors, especially since the will and determination exist and only require the right person (he or she) in the right place and implementable plans.
