Miqati to Present Cabinet with U.S. Offer to Generate Power in Lebanon
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Prime Minister Najib Miqati is expected to present a report on the leasing of power-generating vessels before cabinet on Wednesday, as well as a proposal presented to him by an American company to produce power in Lebanon, reported the daily An Nahar on Saturday.
Informed sources told the daily that the premier received a proposal from General Electric that includes its construction of a power plant, worth 500 megawatts and at the cost of $450 million.
The project will take a year to be complete.
The leasing of power-generating ships will cost $460 million, not including fuel, and the rent period will last five years.
The sources said that Miqati will request that cabinet reconsider the power offers given the new development and ahead of taking a decision on the matter that would take into consideration Lebanon’s financial capabilities.
An Nahar added that the Iranian offer to instantly provide Lebanon with 250 megawatts through Iraq and Syria or Turkey and Syria still stands.
The Lebanese power grid cannot currently withstand more than 250 megawatts, but there are plans to rehabilitate it in order for it to be able to support 500 megawatts.
There are also plans to construct two power plants, one in the North and another in the South, both of which would be able to generate 500 megawatts therefore providing Lebanon’s daily needs.
Energy Minister Jebran Bassil is pushing for the leasing of power-generating vessels. Two companies, Turkish and American, have already won the tenders and are expected to cost the treasury over $1 billion - around $400 million for the rent and $500 million for fuel prices.
But the premier has openly opposed the project. He told As Safir that he would refer to the government a report that includes his vision on how to solve the power crisis.
“Let the cabinet assume its responsibility in taking the appropriate decision after all opinions are heard,” Miqati said. “I won’t impose my opinion on anyone.”
24 March 2012, 09:25
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a very good businessman Mr.Miqati who has connections and experiences with major international companies such as GE. Well done Mr.Prime Minister, however, you can't do the everything by yourself. You should delegate. Give Mr.Bassil some consultants from your side and let them advise him on the proper way of doing things.
24 March 2012, 15:05
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GE is internationally known. If somebody else as qualified can do it for cheaper, let it be. It is embarrasing for a beautiful country like Lebanon, still missing the basic necessaties.
24 March 2012, 10:12
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Let GE build 5 of these plants to cover the entire power demand for Lebanon. Then we can shut down the old plants (including Zouk) that are very expensive to operate and maintain, not to mention their pollution.
This is a No-Brainer!!! Go for it Mr. Miqati and dump Jebran and his stupid proposals that dont make any economic sense (I think Jebran needs a lesson in NPV calculations)
24 March 2012, 10:45
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your thinking is very short-sighted!!!
10452 will always remain, with muslims and christians. But this is a very difficult concept for those who wish to have a chicken farm instead of a sovereign nation.
Why dont you focus on the issue of this article, which is how to provide power economically, and leave the 10452 to those who want to build a real nation!!!
24 March 2012, 10:14
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I'm against this until the main issue gets solved. In other words, put an end to electricity theft then we move on to leasing and building plants.
24 March 2012, 11:18
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GE will built a permanent plant for $450 million dollars and 500 megawatt or a temporary vessels for $450 million plus the cost of fuel what are we discussing here ?! how stupid is it to even attempt to lease those vessels . i can't believe it is 2012 and we are talking about simple need like electricity in Lebanon . are we about 100 years behind the civilized world ? well we got Hezbollah that serve us right ?
24 March 2012, 14:58
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Flame. I dont know how trustable these numbers are, but taking in consideration only the numbers presented above, Miqatis proposal makes more sence.
Both parties are using american companies so there is nothing to discuss about that ( as some has done here).
24 March 2012, 22:19
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seems we are in a cafe where everyone knows everything! i m sure that all these comments are based on real knowledge on how to bring electricity the best way and all here are experts!
as long as irresponsible politicians govern this country thinking more about their bank accounts than lebanese people s welfare, you ll be discussing for decades and electing those who steal you! be it M8 or M14...
ROFL
