Electricity in Libya in 2023
In 2023, electricity consumption in Libya heavily relies on fossil fuels, with a staggering 98% of its electricity coming from these sources. A significant portion, specifically 74%, is derived from gas, showcasing a heavy dependence on this fossil energy type. Net imports provide a minimal contribution, accounting for just over 2%. Unfortunately, low-carbon electricity generation is virtually nonexistent, contributing close to none to the overall electricity mix. Consequently, Libya's electricity generation is overwhelmingly dominated by high-emission sources, which significantly contribute to climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Libya?
Despite the critical need for clean energy growth, electricity consumption in Libya is experiencing a decline. The nation's most recent per-person electricity consumption stands at 4,915 kWh, a noticeable drop from its highest record of 6,026 kWh in 2013. This decrease of over 1,100 kWh per person indicates a troubling trend. Even more concerning is the stagnation in low-carbon electricity generation, which sits at a mere 1 kWh per person, compared to its previous record of 2 kWh in 2012. This stagnation indicates that Libya has not expanded its clean electricity generation capacity, an essential step for environmental sustainability and energy security.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Libya could look to countries similar in geographic and climatic conditions, such as Morocco, which generates more than 20% of its electricity using wind power. Libya could also be inspired by other successful examples, such as Lebanon, which generates 31% of its electricity through solar power. Considering the sunny conditions prevalent in Libya, there is significant potential for harnessing solar energy. Moreover, nuclear energy is gaining traction worldwide, with several countries like the United Arab Emirates generating up to 20% of their electricity from nuclear, offering an example of how Libya might diversify its energy mix effectively and sustainably.
History
Looking back, Libya has had minimal changes in low-carbon electricity generation over the past decades. From 2004 to 2023, solar electricity generation has not seen any measurable growth, remaining at zero throughout these years. This history denotes a period of stagnation, during which Libya did not prioritize the development of clean energy sources, despite the global shift towards sustainable and low-emission electricity. This period of sustained inaction highlights the critical need for Libya to shift its energy policies and infrastructure towards embracing advancements in clean energy technologies, such as expanding solar and considering nuclear power, to secure a sustainable and diversified energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.