The Master of Energy Physics at the Lebanese University - Faculty of Sciences (Branch 3) in Tripoli and the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE- NPCRJ Student Chapter) organized a seminar on “The reality of alternative energies in Lebanon”, on the occasion of the World Energy Day 2018 program, in the presence of the Faculty Dean, Dr. Bassam Badran, the Branch Director, Dr. Bilal Barakeh, the Dean of the Lebanese University - Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Dr. Fawaz Al-Omar, and interested parties.
At the beginning of the seminar, student Reem Halawani defined renewable energies, also called sustainable energy or green energy, as derivatives of renewed or non-depleted natural resources, which are fundamentally different from traditional fossil fuel, such as oil, coal, natural gas or nuclear fuel, and which do not generate renewable energy waste such as carbon dioxide or harmful gases that increase global warming.
According to Dean Badran, the theme of this scientific day is the proof of the Faculty of Science, through its different professional and research Masters, is keeping up with modern technologies, within the framework of the policy of rationalizing expenses and promoting the use of alternative energies, in order to preserve the right of future generations to a healthy and clean environment. This great faculty, in its energies and commitment, is in constant contact with the latest science, inventions and innovations, and in constant renewal, review and self-criticism for the better.
As for the Branch Director, Dr. Bilal Barakeh, he said: “Our participation in this scientific day is the beginning of the faculty’s activities in its new headquarters. We are very proud to offer our students in Tripoli and in the North a distinguished university compound. We are sure that if we manage it well and interact positively with all its advantages, then the Branch will soon be one of the best surrounding universities. This Branch has different energies with its professors, employees and students who are looking forward to serious work, a promising future and a general renaissance”.
The Head of the Lebanese branch of the AEE, Eng. Othman Adra, said: “The Lebanese branch was able, in a short period of time, to train Lebanese experts who obtained the international Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification. Thus, Lebanon ranked fifth among Arab countries for the number of experts accredited by the parent association”. He also stressed that “the Lebanese branch was able to pave the way for a multifaceted cooperation framework with national universities by establishing three student branches at the Faculty of Engineering (Branch 2) in Beirut and the Faculty of Science (Branch 3) in Tripoli of the Lebanese University, and at the University of Balamand.”
Hanan Al Ayoubi, Head of the AEE student branch at the Lebanese University (PNRJ chapter), said: “Energy sector problems in Lebanon are chronic, and the solutions followed so far have not led to successful and satisfactory results.
The Lebanese people still share an obsession for the continuous power outage. In light of this critical situation and the failure of plans to address the crisis in the electricity sector, which suffers from continuous depletion, a new market has grown, which is the market for alternative energy, such as solar energy, wind energy, water, waves, geothermal energy and others”.
She added, "It was necessary for us, as young minds, to contribute to rescue solutions through this renewable energy to alleviate the crisis, fight against pollution, preserve the environment, the atmosphere, and human and plant health, with the support of the AEE Lebanese branch.”
Finally, Dr. Louay Al Soufi presented the Master's degree in Energy Physics of the Lebanese University - Faculty of Science, which was created nine years ago. He stated: “During these years, this Master has undergone two modifications, the first one in 2014, when important and necessary courses in the field of energy were added to improve students' professional and research skills. As for the second modification, it took place this year and will come into effect next year. This modification is in line with the general changes in the four years’ curriculum in the Department of Physics”.
He continued: “This Master's degree has established important cooperation relations with several companies in the energy field, including Zmerly & Co, North Lebanon Alternative Power, the Order of Engineers & Architects in Tripoli and North Lebanon, Salem International Group and other companies and institutions, in order to create an appropriate professional ground to enable students to integrate the labor market”.
