January 31, 2025

Libya’s Renewables Surge: 4GW by 2035, 500MW Solar Project Nears Completion

Libya is advancing its renewable energy ambitions to address growing electricity demand. The country is investing in solar power, with at least one major project nearing completion. Officials and industry leaders consider renewables essential and have set a target of 4GW of capacity by 2035."

Libya’s Growing Demand for Clean Energy


Libya faces increasing pressure to expand its power supply. Its population of seven million relies on an electricity grid dominated by oil and gas. However, demand has already surpassed existing capacity. According to the US Energy Information Administration, Libya held Africa’s largest proven oil reserves at the start of 2024. Despite this, the government is looking to diversify its energy sources by focusing on solar power.

At the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2025 (LEES), TotalEnergies announced the progress on its 500MW Sadada solar project. The company is working with the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL) and the Renewable Energy Authority of Libya (REAoL). The project is in its final stages, with construction expected to begin in 2025.

Pedro Ribeiro, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Libya, highlighted the company’s commitment to renewables. “At the end of 2024, TotalEnergies was generating 28GW globally, and by 2030, we aim to produce 30GW. This year, we expect to progress our Sadada 500MW solar project, which is now in its final stages,” he said at LEES.

International Collaboration Strengthens Libya’s Energy Future


Libya is also engaging with international partners to support its renewable transition. The government is in talks with several European countries to export clean energy via underwater cables. Osama El Durrat, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Electricity and Renewable Energy Affairs, confirmed ongoing discussions with Malta and Greece.

“There are several memoranda of understanding with Europe and Malta to execute underwater cable projects and export renewable energy,” he stated.

Turkiye has also emerged as a key partner in Libya’s renewable plans. The two countries are finalising a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation. Dr Abdusalam Elansari, Chairman of REAoL, confirmed that Libya is working with major Turkish energy firms.

“We have discussed with two or three big Turkish companies,” he said in an interview with Anadolu Agency. “We have started a capacity-building programme to train our people with a Turkish company in the field of human resources, renewable energy, technical renewable energy, electricity connection, performance excellence, and other sectors of cooperation.”

Financing and Regulation Remain Key Challenges


Investment in renewables requires regulatory support and financial backing. Ghassan Atiga, Head of Libyan Business at BankABC, stressed the need for modernised policies.

“We must start locally when financing renewable projects in Libya while also modernising the legal framework,” he said. “Reducing energy waste remains a priority, as demand remains high and cannot yet be fully replaced with renewables. However, we are seeing encouraging advancements, including the commitment to zero flaring.”

The transition to renewables has also received support from international organisations. Last October, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organised a 10-day training programme in Cairo. Forty Libyan officials attended, representing the Ministry of Planning, GECOL, REAoL, and other key institutions. The training covered planning, designing, and installing utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Libya’s Renewables Targets


Libya has set an ambitious target to generate 4GW of renewable energy by 2035. This would account for 20% of the country’s total energy portfolio. The government is focusing on large-scale solar projects and wind power to achieve this goal.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Libya’s share of renewables in final energy consumption stood at just 0.01% in 2021. Officials hope to change this by accelerating project development and securing international investments.

Dr Elansari believes Libya’s abundant solar resources can help drive down electricity costs. “This demand should be met with renewable energy. Rising electricity costs should also push for greater adoption, as renewables are now more affordable,” he stated.

As the country works towards its 2035 target, the focus will be on delivering reliable and cost-effective clean energy. With abundant solar and wind resources, Libya has the opportunity to reshape its energy landscape and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.


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