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3. Qaraoun Water Crisis Triggers Hydropower Collapse in Lebanon

What began as an environmental emergency is now fueling a national energy crisis. The severe drop in water levels at Lake Qaraoun is crippling Lebanon’s hydroelectric output and threatening power security across the country.

In June 2025, hydroelectric production decreased by 76 percent compared to the same month in the previous year. Only 12 MWh were generated, down from 50.4 MWh in June 2024, a dramatic decline that underscores the collapse of the country’s hydropower capacity.

The main driver is an extended drought that has lowered Lake Qaraoun by 15 meters, reducing its water volume from 183 million to 63.3 million cubic meters, a 65 percent drop.

In response, the National Litani Office, in coordination with Électricité du Liban (EDL), has fully shut down the Abdel Aal hydroelectric plant. Operations at the Boulos Arcache and Charles Helou plants have been significantly reduced, relying only on minimal remaining flows from the Ain el-Zarqa spring and the Bisri River.

Since January 2025, production has been steadily declining, from 26.6 MWh in January to just 4.1 MWh in April. This steep drop is placing additional pressure on Lebanon’s already fragile electricity supply and threatening energy access in several regions.