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Hermel CSP Plant: Leveraging Solar Power for Lebanon’s Energy Future
The Hermel Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Plant is a pioneering renewable energy project designed to generate 70 MW of clean power with 7.5 hours of storage capacity. Located in the semi-arid region of Hermel, Lebanon, the plant represents a critical step toward diversifying the country’s energy mix, reducing dependence on imported fuels, and unlocking the productive use of underutilized land.
Commissioned by the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC), K&A provided a full feasibility study, including demand and supply gap analysis, technical, financial, and economic assessments, institutional and environmental and social impact scoping, and alternative renewable solutions studies.
Overcoming Development Challenges
The project faced a range of planning and social challenges. COVID-19 restrictions limited site visits and in-person coordination. Site selection had to balance strict criteria for land availability, solar resource quality, proximity to the grid, slope, and environmental constraints. Public opposition arose over whether the generated power would serve local communities directly or feed into the national grid. At the same time, the project required clarity on structuring: whether to proceed under an EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) or a PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model.
Renewable Energy Solutions and Stakeholder Engagement
K&A ensured continuity through virtual workshops and remote collaboration during lockdowns. Multiple awareness sessions highlighted the project’s economic and social benefits, including job creation and industrial development. Coordination with local authorities secured buy-in, while international donor engagement through the EBRD and IFC shaped a bankable Power Purchase Agreement. The shift from an EPC to a PPP framework allowed for better risk-sharing and long-term project sustainability.
A Benchmark for Renewable Energy in Lebanon
The Hermel CSP project demonstrates the viability of large-scale solar with integrated storage in Lebanon. It established a framework for renewable energy investment that meets international standards, fosters cooperation between authorities and donors, and builds community trust.
The project not only delivers sustainable energy but also supports Lebanon’s economic resilience, creating opportunities in employment and industrial development while setting a precedent for future renewable infrastructure.
