While Libya is increasing its efforts to revitalize the energy sector, which is the cornerstone of its economy, and take its place in the global market, it is considered that Turkiye can be a part of the country’s renewable energy strategy with its experience.
Libya, a North African country whose economy is largely dependent on oil and natural gas exports, has stepped into gear to diversify its energy resources.
The country, which meets approximately 80% of its electricity demand from oil, plans to increase the share of renewable resources in its energy portfolio to meet the increasing demand.
Trying to turn its strong potential in renewable energy into an opportunity for the country’s economy, Libya also expresses its need for international cooperation in this context.
Last week, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, who was in the capital Tripoli as part of the Libya Energy and Economy Summit, also pointed out that the country has a great potential in terms of renewable energy resources and cooperation opportunities in this field.
Bayraktar stated that Libya could benefit from Turkiye’s experience in this field and that companies were also motivated in this regard.
“We developed a comprehensive strategy”
Abdul Selam El-Ensari, President of the Libya Renewable Energy Agency, evaluated the renewable energy targets and cooperation opportunities put forward by his country to the AA correspondent.
Al-Ansari said that Libya has a great solar energy potential.
Referring to the Energy and Energy Efficiency Strategy put forward by Libya, Al-Ansari stated that the country aims to create 20% of its energy portfolio from renewable sources by 2035. El-Ensari said, “The 4 gigawatt renewable energy target in the said strategy consists of three stages. In the first stage, we aim to reach 1.7 gigawatt capacity by the end of 2027, and in the second stage, we aim to reach 2.5 gigawatt capacity by 2030. The remaining capacity will be implemented by 2035.”
Stating that Libya has launched a new initiative called “Go Green”, Al-Ansari noted that this initiative aims to install rooftop solar energy systems for individual, industrial and agricultural consumers and that all corporate structures aim to have such systems.
Al-Ansari said, “The renewable energy plan targets the installation of solar energy and wind energy. We also have a study with the Libyan National Petroleum Corporation (NOC) on green hydrogen, but we are still in the early stages.”
Pointing out the difficulties encountered in the process of achieving the determined goals, Al-Ansari said that these difficulties were mostly related to legal regulations and financing. Al-Ansari explained that they have developed a comprehensive strategy to overcome these difficulties. Pointing out that international cooperation is of critical importance in overcoming these obstacles, Al-Ansari said, “We are open to all international companies, investors, everyone. Turkiye has a good opportunity due to the strong historical relations between the two countries. Turkiye can be a part of this strategy.”
Source: AA / Prepared by Irem Yildiz