Qatar plan for Lebanon: two power plants and a 20-year LNG deal

Qatar has proposed building two power plants in Lebanon and supplying liquefied natural gas for 20 years, Reuters reported on Monday, citing a document it reviewed. The draft is called the National Integrated Energy Investment Program and is dated October 2026.

According to Reuters, it also covers LNG imports and regasification, renewables, battery storage and electricity links with neighbouring countries. Implementation would take about three years if approvals come quickly.

The plan aims to use private or project financing so the state budget does not carry the upfront cost; payment obligations and guarantees are still under negotiation. It needs approval from both governments and may change.

Qatar's prime minister visited Beirut last week and pledged help without giving details. Reuters said neither Qatar's Foreign Ministry nor Lebanon's energy minister responded to requests for comment. Today the state utility supplies only a few hours of power a day, and families depend on costly private generators.