Beirut: Energy and Water Minister Joe Saddi said Lebanon plans to expand electricity production through private-sector investment, including two modern gas-fired power plants, as current available capacity covers only about one-third of demand.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Saddi, speaking to LBCI's "Nharkom Said," emphasized that the ministry was pursuing multiple supply options to reduce dependence on any single source. These initiatives include potential electricity imports from Syria and Turkey, the rehabilitation of the Jordan-Syria-Lebanon interconnection, and a proposed subsea cable linking Lebanon to Cyprus and eventually Europe.

Saddi stated that gas purchase and transit agreements involving Jordan and Syria were ready for Cabinet consideration, paving the way for operating the Deir Ammar plant on gas. This move aims to enhance Lebanon's energy infrastructure and address the shortfall in electricity supply.

The minister also highlighted plans to expand solar and wind generation, noting that private investors had expressed interest. However, he stressed that major investments require financial and political-risk guarantees and continued reform of €š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¦¡¬°lectricit© du Liban to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.

Saddi pointed out that soaring global fuel prices following the March 2 war had sharply increased generation costs. Despite this, supply reached seven to nine hours daily in February without Treasury advances. He expressed a need for further reforms and support to stabilize the energy supply chain.

In addition, Saddi announced plans to visit Washington with Finance Minister Yassine Jaber this month to discuss investment guarantees and electricity-sector reforms, aiming to secure international support and collaboration for Lebanon's energy sector.