From War to Watts: Reconstruction and the Future of Lebanon’s Energy Sector

Gefinor Rotana Hotel – Beirut, October 23, 2025

For in-person attendance, please complete this form.

For online attendance, please register via zoom.

As Lebanon looks toward post-war recovery, one sector stands at the heart of reconstruction: energy.

This public policy forum brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and civil-society voices to examine how rebuilding the electricity system can advance both justice and sustainability.

Hosted by the Arab Reform Initiative’s Environmental Politics Program, this public convening will unpack evidence-based pathways for an equitable, decentralized, and community-driven energy transition.

Objectives

Define guiding principles for a just and inclusive energy sector in Lebanon’s reconstruction phase.
Present new research and policy findings on electricity recovery, governance, and market reforms.
Foster dialogue among government, academia, private sector, and civil society to identify actionable solutions.
Lay the groundwork for collective advocacy and regional cooperation around equitable energy systems.

Why Attend?

Engage directly with leading experts and researchers shaping Lebanon’s post-war energy agenda.
Gain insight into policy frameworks and innovative finance driving renewable-energy transitions.
Be part of a collective conversation linking recovery, justice, and sustainability.

The Agenda

9:30 – 9:45 Registration

9:45 – 10:00 Opening Remarks

10:00 – 11:30 | Panel 1: Principles of Equitable Reconstruction and Energy System – Research Presentations on Electricity Sector Recovery

Focus: This panel will set the scene by defining ARI’s overarching principles for a just energy sector and will present new evidence on Lebanon’s post-war energy pathways. Drawing on a position paper, two research studies, and a policy brief, it will bring perspectives from the ground into the debate on Lebanon’s energy future and how post-war recovery can advance both justice and sustainability.

Speakers:

Dana Abi Ghanem – Deputy Director, ARI Environmental Politics Program – “Overarching Principles for a Just Energy Sector”
Yasmina El-Amine – Researcher –“Pathways for Energy Justice in Lebanon’s Post-War Reconstruction”
Soha Mneimneh – Researcher – “Lebanon’s Energy Crisis in Context: Post-war Reconstruction and Political Fragmentation”
Eric Verdeil – Professor of Geography and Urban Studies, Sciences Po – “Regulating a Pluralistic and Decarbonising Electricity Supply through Public Service Principles”
Moderator: Aya Majzoub – MENA Advocacy Advisor at Open Society Foundations

11:30 – 11:45 Coffee Break

11:45 – 13:15 | Panel 2: The Future of Energy in Lebanon – Local Energy Systems, Finance, and Regional Dynamics

Focus: This panel examines Lebanon’s evolving energy landscape through local, financial, and institutional lenses. It brings together experts in microgrids, energy data, and energy finance to discuss how decentralized systems, innovative funding models, and coordinated planning can support a resilient national grid and inclusive energy future. While focusing on Lebanon’s local realities and reconstruction needs, the discussion will also touch on emerging regional dynamics that could influence the country’s future energy pathways.

Speakers

Nicolas Farhat – Deputy General Manager at BeryTech – “Unlocking Solar Energy Access in Lebanon through Innovative Finance and Blended Models”
Laury Haytayan – MENA Director at the Natural Resource Governance Institute – “Bridging the Energy Gap in Lebanon: Natural Gas, Renewables, and Regional Connectivity”
Joseph Al Assad – President of LCEC and Dean at USEK School of Engineering “The future of microgrids in Lebanon”
Hassan Harajli – Regional Energy Specialist at UNDP

Moderator: Sarine Karajerjian – Environmental Politics Program Director

13:15-14:15 Lunch Break & Informal Networking

14:15-15:45 | Panel 3: Energy Governance in Lebanon: Mapping Actors and Centring Communities

Focus: This panel examines the governance dimensions of Lebanon’s electricity sector across community, national, and regional levels. It will present stakeholder mapping of institutions and actors involved in sector reform, explore how communities can be centered in a just energy transition, and discuss Lebanon’s potential role in bridging natural gas and renewable energy through regional connectivity. Speakers will bring perspectives from research, civil society, and international diplomacy to reflect on the political and institutional challenges of steering Lebanon’s energy future.

Speakers

Pierre Saade – Head of Middle East and North Africa at Resource Justice Network – “Centering Communities in Lebanon’s Just Energy Transition”
Diana Kaissy – Energy Governance Expert / Data-driven Governance Consultant – “Stakeholder Mapping for Electricity Sector Reform in Lebanon”
Sabine Saad – Director at The Lebanese Association for Energy Saving & for Environment (ALMEE)
Elias Kinab – Energy Specialist at Oxfam

Moderator: Suzanne Baaklini – Journalist at L’Orient de Jour