In 2023, Libya's electricity consumption heavily relied on fossil fuels, with almost 98% of the electricity being generated from fossil energy, with gas being the dominant source at about 74%. This pattern underscores a significant reliance on non-sustainable energy sources, pushing the need for a shift towards clean energy to mitigate environmental impacts and embrace more sustainable options. Electric import stood at just over 2%, while low-carbon energy sources were conspicuously close to none in terms of contribution, emphasizing an urgent call to diversify the energy portfolio. Transitioning to low-carbon energies such as solar and potentially nuclear will be pivotal in reshaping Libya’s energy landscape.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Libya?

Unfortunately, Libya's electricity consumption per capita is on a downturn. The recent figures for 2023 show a per capita consumption of roughly 4915 kWh, marking a decline from the peak of 6025 kWh per person recorded a decade earlier in 2013. The low-carbon segment remains entirely stagnant, with the latest numbers showing just a meager 1 kWh per person, unchanged from its previous record in 2021. This stagnation is alarming and calls for pivotal policy changes and investments to boost clean energy and spur growth in electricity consumption to meet modern demands and reduce ecological footprints.

Suggestions

Libya could learn from regions and countries excelling in low-carbon technologies. Successful solar initiatives in Lebanon, Cyprus, and Morocco could offer valuable insights into harnessing solar energy efficiently. Meanwhile, France, Slovakia, and Ukraine highlight how embracing nuclear power can help dramatically shift energy mixes towards low-carbon generation. Implementing similar techniques and leveraging the geographical advantages of abundant sunshine for solar energy could potentially transform Libya's energy sector to be more sustainable, secure, and less reliant on fossil fuels.

History

Historically, Libya has shown negligible progress in low-carbon electricity generation, especially solar, over the past decades. From 2004 to 2023, there was no measurable increase in solar electricity generation. This stagnant performance has stunted the nation’s ability to diversify its energy sources and reap the environmental and economic benefits of low-carbon energy solutions. This historical lack of development underscores the growing importance for Libya to revisit and revitalize its commitment to clean energy investments, particularly in solar and newly emerging technologies such as nuclear, to forge a resilient and sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade