17 April 2010
BEIRUT: A pilot project that will see solar energy being used in north Lebanon is set to be launched this weekend, with financial assistance from Spain.
Spain’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Juan Carlos Gafo, will attend the inaugural ceremony of the first experimental phase of the municipal solar street lighting system in Assia, Batroun on saturday.
According to a statement issued by the Spanish Embassy, the event will be attended by Assia’s Mayor Emile Bedran, UN resident coordinator Marta Ruedas and Water and Energy Minister Jibran Bassil.
The achievement is part of the Country Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Demonstration Project for the Recovery of Lebanon (CEDRO).
CEDRO is a $9.73 million initiative being funded by the Spanish government through the United Nations Development Program, which is managing the funds in close collaboration with the Energy Ministry.
CEDRO aims at supporting Lebanon’s recovery, reconstruction and reform activities. It also seeks to complement the national power sector reform strategy through the implementation of end-use energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and through the removal of barriers for the promotion of sustainable energy applications in Lebanon.
The project will take place on three levels. The first involves the establishment of a demonstrative model addressing public sector building and facilities, the second works on activating the replication process, and the third aims at triggering a national sustainable energy strategy and action plan.
The Spanish Embassy said it hoped that this project would represent a joint achievement within what is expected to be an “increasingly fruitful collaboration between the Spanish and Lebanese governments” and serve as a clear example of Spain’s commitment to the development of Lebanon. – The Daily Star
Copyright The Daily Star 2010.
