Libya seeks Turkish expertise to power renewable energy push

In a significant shift from its traditional oil-based economy, Libya is launching an ambitious renewable energy initiative with Turkish technology and expertise at its core, as the North African nation grapples with surging electricity demands that have overwhelmed its existing infrastructure.

The country’s bold strategy aims to generate 4 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2035, representing 20% of its total energy portfolio. This transition comes as Libya’s current oil and gas-powered plants struggle to meet the electricity needs of its 7 million residents.

“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,” said Abdusselam Elansari, head of the Renewable Energy Authority of Libya.

The partnership builds on Libya’s historical ties with Türkiye, which has emerged as a leader in renewable energy technology in the Mediterranean region. A dedicated zone in eastern Tripoli has already been earmarked for renewable energy investments, with Turkish companies expected to play a central role.

Turkish-Libyan cooperation extends beyond renewable energy

Osama El Durrat, adviser to the Libyan prime minister for electricity and renewable energy affairs, emphasized the depth of the partnership. “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,” he told Anadolu.

The collaboration extends beyond renewable energy. Turkish firms have established themselves as “key partners” in Libya’s critical infrastructure projects, maintaining a strong presence in the country’s electricity grid and production facilities.

Both nations are also exploring the possibility of cross-border power connections. “A committee is being formed to advance cross-border electricity interconnections,” Durrat said. The potential connection would likely be established through a neighboring country, facilitating energy transfer between Libya and Türkiye.

Libya’s participation in the Mediterranean Transmission System Operators (Med-TSO) platform, where Türkiye holds a significant position, further strengthens the partnership. “We are exchanging ideas on how to make the electricity and energy trading between all those countries,” Elansari said.

As Libya works to harness its abundant solar and wind resources, officials are actively courting Turkish investment. “I am encouraging the Turkish company to come to Libya,” Elansari said. “There are opportunities, and we welcome to host all these companies.”