Renewable energy use in Lebanon: Barriers and solutions

The ability to discover and utilize a reliable source of renewable energy is vital in order to reduce the effects of global warming and to decrease and/or eliminate reliance on fossil fuel. Recently, countries around the world have been recognizing the immediate need to tackle the current energy problems. While the developed countries have been investing in renewable energy for the past two decades, developing nations now realize the importance of adopting such energy sourcing strategies [1]. It has long been understood and it is very well-known that energy is the driving force behind economic and social development of a state and its population. The following paper presents an overview of the current renewable energy status in Lebanon. It focuses on barriers hindering improvements and proposes pertinent solutions. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.