The SHAREN project continues to promote innovative solutions that support the energy transition in historic centres across the Mediterranean. One of its latest milestones is the development of the Local Action Plan (LAP) for Byblos (Lebanon), a strategic roadmap towards the creation of a future Energy Sharing Solution (ESS) tailored to the city’s unique characteristics and energy needs.
The Plan was developed by LCEC (Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation), SHAREN’s Lebanese partner, in close collaboration with the Municipality of Byblos and through a participatory process involving local authorities, heritage experts, businesses, energy specialists and other key stakeholders. A series of meetings and workshops helped identify the city’s main energy challenges and opportunities, ensuring that the proposed actions reflect local priorities and enjoy broad stakeholder support.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Byblos combines an exceptional archaeological legacy with a vibrant historic centre that continues to be home to residents, businesses and cultural activities. Preserving this unique urban environment while improving its energy performance requires carefully designed solutions that respect both the city’s heritage and its daily life.
The Local Action Plan proposes the gradual development of an Energy Sharing Solution (ESS) capable of generating and sharing locally produced solar electricity among street lights that covers the area from the municipal building to the Byblos ruins, municipal buildings, commercial activities and other eligible users. The initiative aims to reduce energy costs, increase the use of renewable energy, improve energy resilience and lower greenhouse gas emissions, while preserving the historical and architectural identity of the city.
Beyond its local impact, the Byblos pilot will provide valuable experience for other Mediterranean historic centres seeking practical ways to combine clean energy, community participation and heritage conservation.
Although the implementation of the proposed actions will depend on future technical, financial and regulatory conditions, the Local Action Plan represents an important milestone in defining a shared vision for a more sustainable future.
Through this work, SHAREN demonstrates that even cities with an extraordinary cultural legacy such as Byblos can embrace the energy transition while protecting the heritage that makes them unique.
Photo: © Bdx, via Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC0 Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International.
Next Med
