Libya seeks Turkish expertise to bolster renewable energy drive

TRIPOLI

Libya, home to vast oil reserves, is turning to renewable energy to meet rising electricity demand and plans to rely on strategic partner Türkiye for technological expertise and investment.

With a population of about 7 million, Libya’s electricity demand has exceeded the capacity of its oil and gas-powered plants. The North African country aims to diversify its energy mix by increasing the share of renewable sources, particularly solar and wind.

Libya's renewable energy strategy targets generating 4 gigawatts of capacity by 2035, accounting for 20% of the country’s total energy portfolio. The ambitious plan capitalizes on Libya’s abundant solar and wind resources, but international collaboration is crucial to realizing these goals.

Türkiye, with its deep historical ties to Libya and extensive expertise in renewable energy, is emerging as a key partner in shaping the country’s energy future.

'Strong projects with Turkish firms'

Abdusselam Elansari, head of the Renewable Energy Authority of Libya, said the country’s energy cooperation with Türkiye is rooted in shared history.

“We are cooperating with different Turkish companies in terms of electricity, power, and renewable energy. Indeed, as a renewable energy strategy that we have launched, we plan to cooperate with different companies from different countries. We have a priority for the Turkish companies. We have discussed with two or three big Turkish companies,” Elansari told Anadolu.

He emphasized the focus on knowledge transfer and capacity building with Turkish partners.

“We have started a capacity-building program to train our people with a Turkish company in the field of human resources, renewable energy, technical renewable energy, electricity connection, performance excellence, and other sectors of cooperation,” he added.

When asked if there are any cross-border energy trade projects between Türkiye and Libya, Elansari said Libya has the issue on its agenda and “hopes to find a way in the near future.”

On regional energy trade, Elansari noted Libya’s participation in the Mediterranean Transmission System Operators (Med-TSO) platform, where Türkiye plays a critical role.

“We are exchanging ideas on how to make the electricity and energy trading between all those countries,” he said.

Elansari called on Turkish companies to take part in energy projects in his country.

“I am encouraging the Turkish company to come to Libya," he said. "There are opportunities, and we welcome to host all these companies."

Collaboration with Turkish institutions

Osama El Durrat, adviser to the Libyan prime minister for electricity and renewable energy affairs, highlighted Libya’s ongoing dialogue with Turkish firms.

“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkish companies to transfer expertise and technology in renewable energy. Turkish firms lead in solar panel and wind turbine production,” Durrat told Anadolu.

He noted that Libya is also working with Turkish companies on gas- and fossil fuel-powered turbines.

“Türkiye is a leader in this field. We are in talks with Turkish institutions to finalize agreements for investments in solar and wind energy,” he said.

Durrat revealed that a dedicated zone in eastern Tripoli has been allocated for renewable energy investments, where Turkish companies are expected to play a major role.

Describing Turkish firms as “key partners” in Libya’s critical infrastructure projects, he said: “Turkish companies have a strong presence in Libya’s electricity grid and production facilities.”

Cross-border power connection on the agenda

Libya is exploring the possibility of connecting its power grid with neighboring countries and Türkiye, according to Durrat.

“A committee is being formed to advance cross-border electricity interconnections. We have signed agreements with several southern European and Mediterranean countries. As for Türkiye, we believe the connection could be facilitated through a neighboring country, enabling energy transfer between Libya and Türkiye,” he said.

The potential for a Libya-Türkiye electricity link is under discussion, with Durrat hoping that “an agreement could soon be reached.”