Energy in Libya

As of 2021, Libya is recognized as the seventh-largest crude oil producer in OPEC and ranks third in total petroleum liquids production in Africa.

The country holds 3% of the world's proven oil reserves and 39% of Africa's, marking it as a key player in the global energy sector.

Despite its abundant resources, the energy industry in Libya has faced significant challenges due to political instability following the civil war that began in 2011.

As a net exporter of oil, Libya's energy production was also stimulated by growing populations in countries like Egypt (12.2% growth in that period), Yemen (13.4%), Sudan (16.4%), Saudi Arabia (2.9%), and Italy (3%).

[citation needed] Libya's economy heavily depends on revenue generated from exporting crude oil and natural gas.

[7] By the end of 2021, Libya possessed proved natural gas reserves totaling 53 trillion cubic feet (Tcf), ranking fifth in Africa, behind Nigeria, Algeria, Mozambique, and Egypt.

[2] In 2024, Libya experienced a significant decline in natural gas production, with projections indicating further substantial decreases by 2025, particularly affecting the Wafa and Bouri fields.

In the late 1970s Libya signed a contract with the Soviet nuclear company Atomenergoexport for two VVER-440 reactors, each delivering 440 megawatts (MW)[17][18] of electrical power on the Gulf of Sirte.

[19] As Libya was discontented with the technology the USSR wanted to provide them with, the Belgian nuclear company Belgonucleaire was asked to take over the contract.

However, due to objection from the United States for concerns regarding misuse of nuclear weapons development, Belgonucleaire refused and Libya asked the USSR again.

[3] The country's solar power sector primarily consists of small-scale endeavors like mini-grids in hospitals and public lighting projects.