Beirut, June 3, 2024 – Dr. Patrick Mardini, CEO of LIMS, was a speaker at a conference organized by the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) titled “The Road to a Green City: A Discussion on Air Pollution from Generators.” The event saw attendance from members of parliament, representatives of several Lebanese political parties, officials from relevant ministries, executives from the oil facilities in Zahrani and from EDL, the Governor and the Mayor of Beirut, a representative of the World Health Organization, and various activists and NGOs.

In his address, Dr. Mardini highlighted the success of the Tula Solar Farm, a project that tackled electricity supply challenges at the local level, by establishing a solar farm, generating electricity for an average of 10 hours daily. He emphasized the critical role municipalities can play in partnering with private sector investors to ensure continuous electricity supply. Renewable energy projects offer a viable solution as they allow Electricité du Liban to focus its supply from traditional energy sources on densely populated cities like Beirut, which lack the space for solar farms. Therefore, local level initiatives could significantly enhance the electricity supply across Lebanon.

Dr. Mardini urged members of parliament to support legislation that would streamline the approval process for local renewable energy producers. He posited that such a bill would pave the way for cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable electricity, ultimately fostering economic growth and healthier living conditions for all Lebanese citizens. The conference underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts between municipalities, the private sector, and legislative bodies to improve Lebanon’s energy infrastructure.

• Pollution Threatens Beirut… and “Al-Taqaddomi” Moves for a Green Capital, June 4, 2024: Al Anbaa, Article AR