Türkiye could be part of Libya’s ambitious renewable energy shift

Türkiye could play a role in Libya’s efforts to diversify its energy mix by adding more clean energy resources at a time when Libya’s economy is only beginning to recover from the wounds of years-long political unrest.

In a significant shift in the North African country’s energy sector, traditionally dominated by hydrocarbons, the focus is now expanding to include renewable energy, driven by increasing energy security concerns and rising demand.

As the country grapples with rapid population growth and the expansion of heavy industry, the demand for electricity has escalated. Currently, crude oil generates nearly 80% of this electricity. However, plans are underway to diversify energy sources.

It is expected that the generation of gas and hydrogen will account for a greater share of the energy mix in the future, with contributions from renewable sources.

This ambitious plan, set to change the energy dynamics in the North African region, targets a 20% renewable energy mix in Libya’s energy sector by 2035.

‘Libya as a nation is a big country with a high potential for solar radiation,’ Abdusalam Elansari, the head of the Renewable Energy Authority of Libya, told Anadolu during the Libya Energy and Economic Summit 2024 in the capital Tripoli, organized by Energycapital and Power.

According to Elansari, the phased approach will see Libya achieving 1.7 gigawatts of renewable energy by the end of 2027, progressing to 2.5 gigawatts in 2030, and finally reaching the 4 gigawatts goal by 2035.

Central to this initiative is the ‘Go Green’ program, focusing on installing rooftop solar systems across residential, industrial, and governmental buildings in Libya.

The renewable energy mix will prominently feature solar, wind, and concentrated solar power (CSP), Elansari said.

‘We are also exploring green hydrogen prospects in partnership with the National Oil Corporation (NOC),’ he added, signaling further potential to diversify the country’s energy mix.

Elansari acknowledged the challenges in regulatory frameworks and financing and added, ‘We are working with all our local and international partners, and we are organizing a good roadmap to overcome these challenges.’

He also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in achieving Libya’s renewable energy target.

‘Türkiye can be a part of this strategy. It will be a good opportunity for both countries considering strong historical relationships between the two nations,’ Elansari said, adding that his country is open to opportunities with all international companies and investors.

Last week, in an exclusive interview with Anadolu, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said Libya, which has huge solar power potential, can benefit from Türkiye’s experience in this sector, advocating for Turkish investment in Libya’s renewable energy infrastructure.

• National Oil Corporation (NOC)