On 23 September 2026, the TESSA – Energy Transition and Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth in Lebanon through the Development of Green SMEs and the Promotion of Full, Decent and Qualified Employment project (AID 012590/05/8) held its closing ceremony in Lebanon. The project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
The closing event brought together representatives of Lebanese institutions, project partners and stakeholders to reflect on the work carried out through TESSA to support energy transition, sustainable economic development and inclusive growth in Lebanon.
The ceremony opened with welcome remarks from Sara Imme, Deputy General Director of ICU – Istituto per la Cooperazione Universitaria ETS, followed by a speech from Ziad Haddad of the Association of Energy Engineers. The event was also attended by the Deputy Director of AICS Lebanon, project partners and other stakeholders.
The programme then focused on several areas addressed through the project. Rana Sayed of CIAS presented the work related to economic development in the Bekaa and South Lebanon, while Juliana Najem of IMS / PRODES addressed hospitality and employment outcomes. Anthony Kerbage of Berytech presented the work on SME support and business development, followed by contributions on business creation and development by Nathalie Khoury, and on job placement and decent work by Yasser Akkawi.
The programme also addressed energy transition and green transformation, with a contribution from Sabine Saad of ALMEE. The ceremony concluded with a session led by ICU on the energy efficiency and renewable energy pilot projects, energy audits and ESPC contracts developed within the project.
The closing event was also an opportunity to present some of the results achieved through TESSA. The project carried out 50 technical assessments, 6 energy audits and 2 feasibility studies, which contributed to the development of 8 pilot projects. Engineers were also trained towards internationally recognised certifications including CEA, CEM and CMVP.
The energy-related interventions have generated measurable results. The six energy-efficiency pilot projects are expected to deliver USD 1.18 million in combined net yearly savings, while 717 kWp of solar photovoltaic capacity has been installed. The project also reports 1.13 GWh of clean energy generated in the first year.
These results reflect the project’s work to connect energy efficiency, renewable energy, skills development and support to businesses, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive economic transition in Lebanon.
TESSA concludes its activities after bringing together partners and stakeholders around the shared objective of supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth and energy transition in Lebanon.
