In a complementary step to IPTEC's activities in the field of energy sustainability, and given the need to change the current transportation trend in Lebanon and move towards sustainable transportation solutions, IPTEC participated for the 4th year in a row in IBEF 2018 in a session entitled "Transition towards a Sustainable Land Transport" and organized in collaboration with the UNDP, MoEW, USEK, and PAC/Harb Electric. The session took place on the 26th of September at Le Royal Dbayeh, in the presence and participation of Dr. Toni Issa (President of IPTEC), Mr. Michel-Ange Medlej (Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Energy and Water, Lebanon), Mr. Edgard Chehab (Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Lebanon), Dr. Charbel Mansour (Energy Expert and University Professor, UNDP SODEL Project, Lebanon), Dr. Marc Haddad (Energy Expert in Technology Management and Policy, Lebanon), Dr. Nancy Zgheib (Head of the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department, USEK, Lebanon), and Eng. Wissam Mansour (Operations Manager, PAC/Harb Electric, Lebanon), in addition to experts in the field from different sectors.
The session discussed the transition towards a sustainable, clean and energy efficient transport system in Lebanon, and proposed ambitious sustainable transportation solutions to balance current and future energy needs through reducing the reliance on non-renewable energy sources, contributing therefore to an improved air quality in urban areas, reduced health risks, and reduced traffic congestion, including Biodiesel production and use, electric vehicles & solar electric vehicles chargers, among others.
The 1st Part of the Session
Dr. Issa, moderator of the session, started the first part with an overview on the current status of land transportation sector and its negative impact. He highlighted:
"The land transport sector in Lebanon is witnessing a fast growth and is evolving considerably, causing a heavy environmental and economic burden on the government and the population. According to a study published by the Ministry of Environment, the UNDP and IPTEC in 2016, the transport sector counted more than 1.58 million privately-owned vehicles registered in 2012, and was responsible for over 4,350 Gg CO2 emissions in 2011, 1.5 million tons of consumed fuel, and a chronic traffic congestion, which remain on the rise due to the increase in population, the inappropriate infrastructure for non-motorized vehicles (i.e. bicycle lanes), the absence of a proper public transportation system, and several gaps in the institutional and legal framework that governs the sector, among many others (old fleet, inadequate driving patterns and habits, etc…). As a result, the transport sector in Lebanon has serious environmental and health impacts that threaten our future. While some initiatives have tackled this major issue in the country, Lebanon still lack a clear vision to solve the problems of the road transport sector.
Since its inception in 2012, IPT Energy Center (IPTEC) has put so much efforts to raise awareness on sustainable solutions that can reduce energy consumption and fight the detrimental effects of air pollution on our health and environment resulting particularly from the land transport sector in Lebanon. Many initiatives were taken in this regard under the umbrella of the “National Campaign for Air Pollution Reduction in Lebanon through Efficient Energy Use in Land Transportation” supported by the MoE, ESCWA, and UNDP, which resulted in several recommendations that the center is implementing in collaboration with related stakeholders". Download full speech
In his note, Mr. Medlej tackled the strategy of the MoEW with regards to sustainable transport, focusing on what has been done so far and what will be executed in the future.
Mr. Chehab, who is a key national resource in the field of environment, highlighted the efforts of the UNDP put forth in the field of sustainable transportation and related areas of interest in Lebanon.
The 2nd Part of the Session
The second part of the session featured the announcement of the results of the reports published recently by the MoEW and the UNDP and presented by Dr. Mansour, on the following topics:
- (1) Cost Benefit Assessment for the Use of Natural Gas and Electricity in Mass Transit Systems in Lebanon
- (2) Cost Benefit Analysis for the Use of Natural Gas and Other Low Carbon Fuels in the Transport Sector in Lebanon, presented for the first time to the public. Download presentation to know more.
The last Part of the Session
The last part of the session started with an animation about IPT Model for a Sustainable and Eco-friendly Gas Station to provide a comprehensive overview about IPT’s vision towards reducing its environmental footprint through incorporating sustainability into its operations, and products and services.
Then, it featured 2 case studies related to IPT's actual achievements in the field of sustainability and efficient energy use with a special focus on:
- (1) The production and use of Biodiesel in diesel engines, presented by Dr. Zgheib, while focusing on IPTEC and USEK initiative to launch a complete venture to recycle household waste cooking oil (WCO) for sustainable Biodiesel production with the support of the UNDP. Download presentation to know more
- (2) The installation of Electric Vehicle chargers on IPT gas stations, presented by Eng. Mansour, highlighting the market development of Battery Electric Vehicles, and forecast, in Lebanon and worldwide, the most prominent types of EV charging, and technical requirements and specs, with a special focus on gas stations taking IPT as a role model. Download presentation to know more
Finally, all participants took part in a draw whereby 3 winners won 3 Prepaid Cards from IPT for $500-Quantum fuel each.