THE POTENTIAL OF POWER PRODUCTION FROM LANDFILL MSW IN LEBANON

The Potential of Power Production from Landfill MSW in Lebanon

The Potential of Power Production from Landfill MSW in Lebanon

Literature Review

Lebanon has no known fossil fuel resources. Apart from relatively modest hydroelectric resources and the import of 50-100 megawatts of electricity semi-annually from Syria, all energy needs are met with imports of petroleum products, which represented over 4.2 million TOE (tonnes of oil equivalent) in 1995. Two state-owned refineries (one in Tripoli and one in Zahrani) are currently non-operational. The power sector accounts for about one-third of fuel imports.

Lebanon's energy sector is dominated by the state-owned Electricité du Liban ("EDL"). EDL is a vertically integrated utility with approximately 900,000 customers. Lebanon's energy production facilities include three thermal power stations, two gas turbine stations in each of Baalbek and Tyre and seven hydroelectric stations. In addition, two new combined cycle power plants have been constructed. Besides its own plants, EDL purchases power from four independent hydroelectric power producers and sells wholesale to four private distributors. EDL is also the majority shareholder in the previously private-owned Kadisha company, a thermal and hydro power producer and distributor to about 100,000 customers in North Lebanon.

The power sector sustained severe physical damage to all its production transmission and distribution facilities during the conflict. EDL also incurred financial losses resulting from low tariffs, high technical and non-technical losses, including widespread illegal connections, and loss of control over its commercial operations.

EDL has been regaining control over its operations. Following the rehabilitation of existing plants, tariffs were increased significantly, and, commencing in 1996, steps are being taken to address billing and collection weaknesses as well as non-technical losses. The program for the rehabilitation of the Republic's energy sector is further described under "Reconstruction—Electricity Generation."

The Israeli attacks on power stations near Beirut in June, 1999 and February, 2000 resulted in damages estimated at approximately U.S. $40 million. Required repairs to the power stations as a result of the latest attacks have been substantially completed.

Lebanon is a predominantly urban and highly electrified state with accessibility to electricity reaching more than 90 % of the population. The Lebanese Electricity system has suffered considerable losses due to the civil war 1975-1990 and to the continued Israeli attacks over the past few decades. The service quality, however, remains poor with frequent interruptions because of inadequate transmission capacity and the inadequate operating state of the lower voltage power distribution system.

Rehabilitation and investments in Power Sector in the early stages of the reconstruction program (90-92) was high on the Lebanese Government's agenda. Achieving and maintaining efficiency of operations and future development of the electricity sector posed a major challenge to the government, because of the impacts that will affect the national economy. The power supply infrastructure, especially generation, has significantly improved, as well as the quality of electricity service delivery.

As Lebanon is basically an energy source importer, diversity of supply is a key issue to the successful operation and continuity of the power generating ...