Electricity in Libya in 2023
The current landscape of electricity consumption in Libya is overwhelmingly dominated by fossil fuels, which account for nearly all the electricity generated in the country. More than 74% of Libya's electricity comes from gas, underscoring the country's deep reliance on fossil energy. Low-carbon or clean energy sources, disappointingly, contribute close to none of Libya’s electricity mix; with the data suggesting a complete absence of such solutions. This lack of low-carbon electricity options places Libya in a position where it is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which are notorious for contributing to climate change and other environmental challenges. A small fraction, about 2%, of the country's electricity is imported, but without a shift towards cleaner energy sources, Libya continues to face sustainability issues.
Is Electricity Growing in Libya?
Libya's electricity consumption per capita in 2023 stands at approximately 4915 kWh, a decline from its peak level of 6026 kWh per person back in 2013. This downward trend indicates a 1110 kWh decrease per individual over the past decade. Notably, low-carbon electricity generation remains flat, at a dismal 1 kWh per person, unchanged compared to the previous record in 2012. This stagnation is particularly concerning because energy consumption should ideally grow along with the population and technological advancements. Considering Libya's apparent lack of progress in low-carbon electricity generation, the challenge to transition to more sustainable forms of electricity grows ever more pressing.
Suggestions
Libya could learn from regions around the world that have successfully integrated low-carbon technologies into their electricity generation mix. For example, Denmark and Germany have significant portions of their electricity coming from wind power, with figures like 52% for Denmark showcasing what is achievable when wind energy is prioritized. Similarly, France's impressive use of nuclear power, contributing 68% of its electricity, serves as an exemplar for harnessing nuclear energy effectively. Even in regions with a similar solar climate to Libya, such as Lebanon (31% solar) and Morocco (21% wind), low-carbon sources are becoming increasingly prominent. Libya could significantly benefit by investing in and adopting solar and nuclear technologies to pave the way toward a more sustainable energy future.
History
Historically, Libya's progress in low-carbon electricity development, specifically solar, has been stagnant. Since 2004, there has been no recorded increase in solar electricity generation, which has remained at zero growth through to 2023. This consistent lack of investment or progress in solar technology over the years is alarming, especially considering the country's high solar potential given its geographic location. Libya's delay in developing clean energy infrastructure not only restricts its ability to reduce fossil fuel dependency but also misses opportunities for economic advancement through sustainable energy solutions. Prioritizing solar and nuclear energy development could help Libya mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of its current energy strategy and align with global trends towards greener energy solutions.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.