Lebanon which has an estimated energy production of 12.98 billion kWh as per 2009 data, is still yet to produce even a single MW from large scale Wind Power. But This is all set to change, courtesy Hawa Akkar, a 60 MW Wind Project in Akkar Region.
The Project took it's baby steps in 2008, when the Electrical Utility of Aley signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Lebanon to promote Renewable Energy. After the signing of MoU, Lebanese government started seriously to look into Non -Hydro Renewable Projects and all thanks to the MoU government has set a policy to have a minimum of 60-100 MW to be powered by wind by the private sector by 2013, and to have 12% from renewable energy by 2020.
A pre-feasibility study with the support of local municipalities in the Northern Lebanese region of Akkar, International consultants and leading Manufacturers of wind turbines was conducted. And Once the project get's approval from the Lebanese government, Hawa Akkar will produce pure green Wind Power within eighteen months.
According to Hawa Akkar, Wind energy is competitive when compared with traditional forms of generation in the country, and where the average cost of the kwh is around 17.14 USC.
Hawa Akkar is expected to utilize 20 Wind turbines, each capable of producing 2 MW each and once completed the Wind Farm is expected to Power 60,000 Lebanese homes and jobs and economic benefits for the local community. But the Challenges still remain as Proper Transmission Infrastructure must be build to pick up the power from the wind farm.
Data Provided by Rahul R Prabhu
For any Quires please contact: rprabhu@renewindians.com
