The discussion will be held in both Arabic and English, with simultaneous interpretation available.

You can register to attend by following this link for the physical attendance, which will take place in the Beirut Digital District Main Hall or this link for online attendance. You will receive a Zoom confirmation email should your registration be successful. Alternatively, you can watch the event live here on our Facebook page.

Solar Energy Policy in Lebanon: What are the policy solutions to ensuring a just energy transition in Lebanon? ARI’s Environmental Politics Program is organizing an in person town hall meeting titled "Solar Energy Policy in Lebanon: Ensuring a Just Energy Transition". This event will take place at the Beirut Digital District on Thursday, June 13 from 11am until 1pm. The meeting aims to foster dialogue and knowledge exchange regarding the renewable and solar energy sectors in Lebanon.

Despite Lebanon's significant potential for solar energy, which could generate a substantial portion of the country's electricity needs, the rollout of solar technology has encountered numerous obstacles. These include opposition from the so-called generator mafia, insufficient government planning, and disagreements over the implementation approach.

The town hall will feature insights from heads of Lebanese municipalities, representatives from donor organizations, and Lebanese policy and energy experts. Discussions will focus on the current policy barriers to widespread solar energy implementation in Lebanon and explore whether existing policies can make the solar revolution more inclusive for all communities within the country. Furthermore, the event will consider necessary actions to encourage broader engagement from municipalities and organizations.

Participants are invited to contribute their views on potential alternatives to current systems and policies. Key questions to be addressed include:

• What is the general state of solar energy in Lebanon?
• Who is responsible and accountable if any aspect of the rollout fails?
• How has the current regional conflict impacted Lebanon's capacity for renewable energy?
• What roles do municipalities play in advancing solar energy in Lebanon?
• How can communities access information about solar technologies, and how well-informed are these communities?
• Who represents the various communities in the energy landscape?
• Who are the main donor organizations in this sector, and what roles have they played in funding solar energy projects in Lebanon?

This town hall meeting seeks to identify actionable solutions that ensure a fair and effective transition to solar energy in Lebanon.

This activity is part of a research project funded by the Porticus Foundation, designed to identify and address the challenges of the solar rollout in Lebanon.

Learn more about ‘Lebanon’s Solar Energy Boom’.