Summary

In 2017, the Lebanese Armed Forces, through support from the EU funded UNDP – CEDRO 4 project, launched its sustainable energy strategy which identified its targets in terms of renewable energy and energy efficiency for 2030, in line with the National targets. In 2019, through EU funding, a demonstration project aiming at increasing energy security and comfort at the Land Border Regiment 2 was launched. The project adopted the roadmap set out in the strategy and included 13 technologies that set out to reduce the LAF energy consumption and transition the Land Border Regiment 2 to a clean energy regiment. The 2.5 years project (2019 – 2021) was extended for one additional year (2019 – 2022) during which, budget savings have been re-allocated for further solar PV implementations amongst other technologies. 

Background

The 2003 European Security Strategy and the 2005 European Consensus on Development acknowledge that “there cannot be sustainable development without peace and security, and that without development and poverty eradication there will be no sustainable peace”. Furthermore, the Lisbon Treaty indicated that its objective is “to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter”. The council states that "conflict prevention should be pursued as a priority goal in particular by fostering and strengthening development cooperation". 

The European Neighborhood Policy EU – Lebanon Action plan sets out the cooperation guidelines between the EU member states and Lebanon on various levels, of which “the field of Justice, Freedom and Security”. The latter expands the sub-activities for cooperation, mainly “border management”. In addition, the program aims at making multilateral institutions and conventions more effective, so as to reinforce global governance; strengthen coordination in combating security threats and address related development issues. 

The European Union funded, UNDP implemented, ‘Renewable Energy for the Lebanese Armed Forces project’ focuses on strengthening the security and well-being of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), specifically the LAF stationed in the North-Eastern border regions of Lebanon. The aim of the project is the provision of sustainable energy solutions that, first and foremost, increase the LAF’s energy autonomy in the region and enhance the general energy services that achieve a higher ability to observe and carry out the respective security-based operations. These actions build on the Lebanese Armed Forces Sustainable Energy Strategy of 2017 (EU-UNDP CEDRO 4, 2017), endorsed by the Ministry of Defense and the LAF.