Image: The Libya Observer
Libya’s renewables wealth offers the potential to diversify its domestic energy matrix and provide decentralized power solutions, with 22% of the country’s electricity generation aimed to be derived from renewables by 2030. Such targets are aligned with the 2030 vision of the General Authority for Electricity and Renewable Energy, which seeks to grow clean energy capacity, particularly in solar and wind. While Libya currently produces 33 TWh of power to meet rising electricity demand, the sector requires a significant inflow of private investment and more supportive policies from the government in fostering competitive bidding and long-term power purchase agreements for renewable developers. The Libyan Government is in talks with developers about projects that will reduce hydrocarbon demand and CO2 emissions, while improving access to electricity in remote communities, including photovoltaic plants with battery storage.
Renewable Energy Plant, Bani Walid – 50 MW
In August, the Renewable Energy Authority of Libya (REAoL) announced plans to construct a 50 MW renewable energy plant on 75 hectares of land in the municipality of Bani Walid. The project will be connected to the electrical grid in the municipality and could be subject to additional development and expansion. The primary objectives of the plant include localizing technology, expanding the public grid, alleviating power shortages and supplying power to the region and network at-large.
Solar Power Plant, Tajoura – 62 kWp
Libya is set to construct a 62 kWp solar power plant in the Center for Solar Energy and Research in Tajura, located near the capital of Tripoli. Upon completion, the project will be connected to the national grid and will service the wider north-western region, with a view to reducing the country’s current power generation deficit of 1,500 MW. Construction of the plant is being led by Alhandasya, a Libyan company specialized in engineering services, electromechanical works and renewable energy development and implementation.
Solar PV Plant, Kufra – 100 MWp
The construction of a solar photovoltaic power plant is already underway in Kufra, with a planned capacity of 100 MWp. Occupying an area of 200 hectares, the plant will help achieve energy security for the local population by fortifying the electrical grid, which was previously supplied by a now out-of-service thermal power plant. In total, Libya is home to daily average solar radiation of 7.1 kWh per m2 in its coastal region and 8.1 kWh per m2 in its southern region, along with more than 3,500 hours of average annual sun duration and 140,000 TWh per year of concentrated solar potential.
Assorted PPP Renewable Projects – 2,000 MW
REAoL recently announced its plans to implement projects totaling 2,000 MW, leveraging photovoltaic technology across multiple stages in the forthcoming years. The projects will primarily use public-private partnerships as the investment vehicle, although some projects with more urgent demand will be implemented solely through state participation. To advance the projects, REAol has requested that other authorities and institutions working in the renewable sector do not interfere, and has solicited government support in streamlining processes and procedures.
Libya’s renewable energy potential will be unpacked during a renewable energy panel at the upcoming Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2021, taking place on 22-23 November 2021, in-person in Tripoli and on Zoom for online participants. Energy Capital & Power is honored to work with the Government of National Unity and all industry participants to produce this historic summit.
Companies interested in supporting the event can contact [email protected] for more information. Individuals and organizations that wish to join as speakers or panelists can contact [email protected] and media partners can contact [email protected]. Learn more at www.libyasummit.com.