Electricity in Libya in 2022

In 2022, Libya's electricity consumption was dominated by fossil fuels, which accounted for more than 97% of the total electricity generated. A significant majority, about 69%, of this was produced using gas. When it comes to low-carbon electricity, the contribution was almost negligible, placing Libya among the countries heavily reliant on fossil fuels for electricity generation. Apart from domestic production, a small portion of electricity, around 3%, was imported. Libya needs to diversify its electricity sources by increasing investments in clean energy to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, which are associated with climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

Libya can look towards successful examples in low-carbon electricity generation to improve its energy mix. Several countries have excelled by incorporating nuclear and wind power significantly. Slovakia and France have achieved notable successes, generating 60% and 67% of their electricity from nuclear power respectively. For a comparable regional example, Morocco has developed wind infrastructure to contribute 15% to its electricity generation, showcasing a feasible model for Libya. By investing in nuclear power plants and wind farms, Libya could mimic these countries' strategies and gradually shift towards a cleaner and more sustainable electricity sector. Increasing the use of solar energy would also fit well with Libya's sunny climate, as seen in countries like Greece and Yemen, where solar contributes 22% and 20% of the electricity respectively.

History

Examining the historical development of low-carbon electricity in Libya, it's evident that solar energy contributions have remained stagnant from 2004 through 2022, with no recorded increase in solar-generated electricity over this period. This lack of progress indicates an area in need of policy reform and investment. The absence of growth in clean energy sources suggests missed opportunities for development in low-carbon sectors. Going forward, Libya should address these gaps by creating favorable policies and investing in the infrastructure necessary for clean electricity generation, especially focusing on solar, wind, and nuclear options which have proven successful in other nations.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources