Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development: $3 million to support sustainability of electricity services through solar energy in Lebanon

The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development signed a grant agreement yesterday with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), under which the Fund provides a grant of US$3 million to help finance the project for enabling public services through solar energy in the Lebanese Republic. The agreement was signed on behalf of UNDP by Emma Morley, the UNDP Resident Representative in Kuwait, and on behalf of the Kuwait Fund by Rashid Al-Badr, Acting Director General.

The project aims to enhance the sustainability and reliability of electricity supply in several priority public institutions in the Lebanese Republic by installing photovoltaic solar energy systems and improving energy efficiency. This will help reduce reliance on diesel generators, lower operational costs, improve the continuity of essential public services, contribute to reducing emissions from traditional energy sources, and promote the sustainable use of energy.

The project includes implementing several key components, such as installing photovoltaic solar energy systems at beneficiary institutions, carrying out measures to improve energy efficiency—including providing related equipment and fixtures—and building the technical capacity of staff and relevant stakeholders in operating, maintaining, and sustainably managing the systems. It also involves strengthening operation and maintenance arrangements to ensure the long-term sustainability of the systems and maximize the benefits derived from the project’s outputs.

This grant comes within the framework of the Kuwait Fund’s commitment to supporting sustainable development efforts in Arab countries and contributing to the implementation of development projects that improve infrastructure and essential services, enhance the capacity of public institutions to address development challenges, and contribute to achieving sustainable development and improving the level of services provided to beneficiary communities.