Electricity in Libya in 2023
Libya's electricity consumption in 2023 is overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels, with more than 97% of its electricity generated from these sources. Gas is the primary component of this fossil fuel consumption, accounting for about 74% of the country's electricity generation. The reliance on imported electricity is minimal, standing at slightly over 2%. Sadly, clean energy contributes close to none to Libya's electricity mix, highlighting a heavy dependency on fossil fuels which contributes to climate change and environmental pollution. Transitioning to low-carbon energy sources is crucial for Libya to achieve a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sector.
Is Electricity Growing in Libya?
Electricity consumption in Libya appears to be declining rather than growing, as evidenced by a decrease in total electricity consumption per person from a previous high of 6026 kWh in 2013 to 4915 kWh in 2023. This decline of 1110 kWh per person indicates a substantial reduction in electricity usage over the decade. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity has stagnated, remaining at a mere 1 kWh per person in 2023, with no improvement since its peak of 2 kWh per person in 2012. This stagnation signifies a missed opportunity to uplift Libya's energy profile by integrating more sustainable solutions into the electricity sector.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Libya could draw inspiration from regions that have successfully leveraged solar and nuclear energy. For instance, countries like Lebanon and Chile have successfully integrated solar energy, with solar accounting for 31% and 23% of their electricity generation respectively. The United Arab Emirates provides a nearby example of a country successfully implementing nuclear energy, contributing 20% to its electricity mix. Similarly, France has made significant strides in low-carbon electricity generation with nuclear power making up 69% of their electricity supply. Therefore, Libya should consider investing in both solar and nuclear infrastructures to capitalize on its geographical advantages and mimic the success stories of these countries.
History
Historically, Libya's journey with low-carbon electricity generation, particularly solar, has been stagnated. From 2004 to 2023, there has been no recorded change in solar electricity generation, underscoring a severe lack of development in this sector. This continuous zero-growth trend portrays a critical oversight in adopting and adapting to global shifts toward sustainable energy solutions. For Libya to maintain energy security and transition to a greener grid, it must break away from this stagnant trajectory and earnestly pursue initiatives that promote the adoption of solar and nuclear technologies. Embracing these transformative approaches will help Libya enhance its electricity generation capacity while aligning with global low-carbon energy goals.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.