Reinforcing existing thermal power plants in Lebanon with photovoltaics: Case study: Jiyeh and Zouk power plants

Electricity in Lebanon is facing many problems leading to serious implications on the economic, social, and industrial levels of this country. The big deficit in electricity generation and not meeting the demand is by far the most important problem that needs an immediate. This paper suggests a new idea to reinforce the capacity of existing thermal power plants in Lebanon with the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels. Two thermal power plants will be investigated as case studies; Zouk and Jiyeh power plants. The added PV elements will produce additional energy at a lower cost compared to traditional PV systems. The low cost of the additional PV system in the thermal power plant is obtained through the use of low cost lands and avoiding the use of batteries for energy storage.