Electricity in Libya in 2023

As of 2023, Libya's electricity consumption is overwhelmingly dependent on fossil energy, with almost the entirety, approximately 98%, resulting from fossil fuel sources, specifically natural gas that contributes around three-quarters. The country's reliance on fossil energy is complemented by net imports, which make up a small portion, slightly over 2%. There is a notable absence of low-carbon energy sources in Libya's electricity generation mix, meaning sustainable pathways such as wind, solar, and nuclear remain largely untapped. Given the critical challenges faced due to climate change and fossil fuel emissions, there is a widespread need for Libya to diversify its electricity sources by integrating more low-carbon options into its energy strategy.

Suggestions

Libya could look to countries successfully utilizing low-carbon electricity to inform its strategy for sustainable energy development. For instance, France and Slovakia have harnessed nuclear energy effectively, generating the majority of their electricity—around 68% and 62%, respectively—from this clean source. Lebanon provides another example with its considerable adoption of solar energy, generating 31% of its electricity this way, which may be particularly relevant for sun-rich Libya. Additionally, Morocco's implementation of wind energy, contributing around 21%, demonstrates a commitment to diversifying energy sources similar to Libya's geographical profile. By adopting a mix of nuclear, solar, and wind technologies, Libya can build a resilient and sustainable electricity generation system that reduces its carbon footprint and enhances energy security.

History

Historically, Libya has shown a persistent lack of development in low-carbon electricity generation as evidenced by the continuous stagnation in solar energy use from 2004 through 2023. Over these years, there was no increase at all in electricity generation from solar power, indicating a missed opportunity for embracing clean energy innovations. This prolonged hiatus in adopting low-carbon solutions aims for a critical re-evaluation of policies to facilitate the integration of sustainable electricity sources. As the world pushes towards greener energy solutions, Libya's long-standing status quo in solar energy points to an urgent need for strategic changes to address the dual challenges of environmental impact and energy diversification.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources