Lebanon is focusing on wind energy

Lebanon plans to use renewable sources to meet 12% of electricity demand by 2020, focusing on wind energy. In order to boost the economy and reduce energy dependence from imported oil products, in 2007 the country launched a reconstruction and development programme that focuses on innovation, energy efficiency and renewables.

In this context, UK-based GL Garrad Hassan has now submitted the results of a study (funded by the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of Spain) that provides a detailed assessment of the country’s wind resources, highlighting the excellent conditions of northern regions for the construction of wind farm plants.

The wind map that Garrad Hassan GL has drawn up shows that the most suitable area for wind turbines is the mountainous region of Al Qubayyat, near the border with Syria and, in particular, around the mountains north of Zahl, where a wide area has average wind speeds ranging from 8 to more than 9.5 metres/second (at a height of 80 metres from the ground). But favourable conditions can also be found along the coast north and south of Tripoli and in the south, on the border both with Syria and Israel.

Overall, according to estimates by GL Garrad Hassan, Lebanon’s wind resources will allow it to achieve its renewable targets for 2020.

www.gl-garradhassan.com

www.enelgreenpower.com