- Libya inaugurated its first solar power plant in Kufra, producing 1 MW to power up to 1,000 homes and cut 545,000 litres of diesel use.
- The project marks a milestone in Libya’s plan to reach 4 GW of renewable capacity by 2035, diversifying its oil-heavy energy mix while creating jobs and boosting local capacity.
Libya has inaugurated its first solar power plant in the southeastern town of Kufra. Authorities say the project will reduce reliance on diesel and mark a milestone in the country’s shift toward renewable energy.
The plant, built in eight months by Infinity Libya and Touch Company, has a 1 megawatt (MW) capacity to supply electricity to between 500 and 1,000 households. Officials said the project will save about 545,000 litres of diesel and cut carbon emissions by roughly 1,300 tons annually.
With Africa’s largest proven oil reserves, Libya has long depended on oil and gas to meet rising power demand, but its generating capacity has struggled to keep pace. The government aims to diversify its energy mix and add 4 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity by 2035, targeting a 20% share of total supply.
Libya’s electricity demand will reach 20 GW by the end of 2024, underscoring the urgency of finding alternatives.
Furthermore, Infinity Libya said trained Libyan engineers operate the Kufra plant, creating jobs and boosting local economic activity. The company plans to expand solar generation across oil and gas, agriculture, and industry sectors.
“The completion of the Kufra project is a turning point for Libya’s renewable energy future,” Infinity Libya said in a statement. “It demonstrates the country’s commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and advancing sustainable energy solutions.”