PM: Power ships won\'t solve Lebanon\'s fuel problems

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati issued a report published in the Lebanese daily An-Nahar on Sunday, concerning the power-generating ships which Energy Minister Gebran Bassil intends to rent. According to the report, Mikati said that the ships would not generate power before September, therefore “power ships will not solve Lebanon’s electricity problem during the summer.” Mikati explained that the ships would not represent additional power sources, but would be an alternative to the plants whose electricity production is stalled due to maintenance. The premier also commented on the way the tenders were launched and accepted. “The tenders were not properly launched. The offers of three companies were accepted, although they applied after the expiration date of the tenders.” Mikati also referred to the prices that were offered by the tenders. “There are many companies willing to offer better prices.  We received other offers as well.” Finally, Mikati proposed launching further tenders to build new power plants that could provide from 500 to 1000 megawatts. He also said that building a 500 megawatt power plant would cost a maximum of  $480 million US. “Such plants can produce power for more than 25 years and can be converted to a plant that works on natural gas instead of fuel.” Mikati\'s report followed remarks published on Friday that he would suggest “an alternative solution” for Lebanon’s electricity problem to present to the Lebanese cabinet. “I do not seek to impose my opinion on anyone,” Mikati said. The Prime Minister added that the report will be among the items which will be discussed during next week’s cabinet session.