Qatar PM announces massive solar plant project in Lebanon
Qatar Prime Minister Announces Solar Power Project in Lebanon
During a trip to Beirut disclosed on October 16, 2026, the prime minister of Qatar revealed proposals to build a what he called a “massive” solar plant in Lebanon to help alleviate the country’s power shortages. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani made the announcement on Friday following a meeting with his Lebanese counterpart, Nawaf Salam, agreeing to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation in the energy sector.
QatarEnergy and TotalEnergies to Develop Lebanese Solar Plant
As a starting venture, French firm TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy have partnered up to collaboratively build a solar power plant in Lebanon. Sheikh Mohammed stated that the aim is to develop a major investment project that would benefit the Lebanese economy as well as participating Qatari companies and entities. Prime Minister Salam indicated he would submit the electricity sector plans to the Lebanese Cabinet soon. According to Salam, the Qatari side will fund, implement, and activate the project without any cost to the Lebanese state, providing a crucial relief measure amid the country’s financial crisis.
Electricity Debt Burdens State as Qatar Addresses Israeli Violations
An excess staff and obsolete facilities have caused Lebanon’s public electricity provider to rack up approximately $40bn in losses over recent decades, making it a primary driver of national debt. The utility provides only a few hours of electricity daily, forcing the state, until a year ago, to take advances from the Central Bank when diesel fuel ran out. Alongside the energy talks, Sheikh Mohammed met with Lebanon’s president and parliament speaker to address Israeli violations in Lebanese territory. The Qatari prime minister stated that Israel should withdraw and cease its attacks, noting that Doha is coordinating with the United States to lay the groundwork for future reconstruction in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Forces Continue Operations Despite June Ceasefire
The diplomatic push coincides with ongoing military friction in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have continued operations despite a June ceasefire brokered by the United States. That agreement outlines a gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern areas in exchange for the Lebanese government disarming Hezbollah, though Hezbollah has refused to disarm until Israel withdraws from the country. Lebanese authorities report that Israeli attacks have killed more than 4,300 people since March, and while most of the 1.2 million displaced individuals have returned home, over 300,000 remain displaced according to the International Organization for Migration. Prime Minister Salam thanked Qatar for its continuous support during Lebanon’s darkest hours.
As Prime Minister Nawaf Salam prepares to put the plans for Lebanon’s electricity sector to the Lebanese Cabinet, the initiative will involve QatarEnergy reaching an agreement with TotalEnergies to jointly develop a solar power plant as an initial project.