Qatar Proposes New Power Infrastructure Plan for Lebanon
The proposal includes building two large power plants and establishing a long-term liquefied natural gas supply agreement.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Qatar has drafted a plan to revitalize Lebanon's struggling energy sector by constructing two 825-megawatt power plants at Deir Ammar and Zahrani. The proposal, dated October 2026, also features a 20-year agreement to supply liquefied natural gas.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to address a severe energy crisis in Lebanon, where the national power provider currently delivers only a few hours of electricity daily. By utilizing private or project financing, the plan seeks to modernize infrastructure without adding to the nation's public debt.
The plan includes 800 megawatts of solar and 440 megawatts of wind capacity, alongside 3.5 million cubic meters of daily regasification via floating storage. Qatar also proposed initial power imports from Syria starting at 300 megawatts.
The players
Qatar
A Middle Eastern nation that is a major global exporter of liquefied natural gas and is seeking to expand its infrastructure investments.
Lebanon
A Mediterranean nation that has faced significant infrastructure challenges and electricity shortages for several decades.
The details
The strategy centers on two combined-cycle plants while leveraging 4.5 million cubic meters of daily capacity through the Arab Gas Pipeline via Syria. Officials designed the project to bypass upfront Lebanese government expenditure by attracting private sector investment.
Timeline
The drafted proposal document is dated October 2026.
The Qatari Prime Minister visited Lebanon in October 2026.
Implementation is projected to take three years following official approval.
Market Landscape
This proposal follows a pattern set by the Arab Gas Pipeline in attempting to resolve regional energy deficits through cross-border transit. The move positions Qatar to exert greater influence in the Levant's energy market while competing against other regional infrastructure projects.
If approved, the project could drastically improve electricity reliability for Lebanese residents who currently face frequent rolling blackouts. Stable energy access would also likely reduce reliance on costly and polluting private generators, potentially lowering household energy expenses.
The takeaway
Reliable energy remains the primary hurdle for long-term economic stability in the region. Successfully securing private financing for this project could set a new standard for infrastructure development in debt-burdened economies.
Further reading
For more on international energy developments, visit the Oil and Gas section.
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