Potential of thermal insulation and solar thermal energy in domestic hot water and space heating and cooling sectors in Lebanon in the period 2010 - 2030

Abstract

The potential of thermal insulation and solar thermal energy in domestic water heating, space heating and cooling in residential and commercial buildings Lebanon is studied in this paper. The aim of the study is to determine the possible reduction in electricity demand due to the application of such technologies, especially in the light of the high frequency of power outages that are at the origin of economic, social and environmental hurdles. This paper reviews research articles in the fields of thermal insulation, solar collectors and installations, solar heating and cooling techniques, in addition to governmental and non-governmental studies and reports dealing with the performance of such technologies in Lebanon. Deployment scenarios are then developed to estimate the total electricity demand reduction achieved by cost-effective measures. The study finds that thermal insulation in three out of the four considered climate zones as well as solar water heating are deemed economically attractive, whereas solar acclimatization solutions are still not cost effective over their lifetime. The combination of thermal insulation and solar water heating has the potential of decreasing the national electricity demand by 5.7% in 2030 compared to a business as usual scenario.