Investigation into the feasibility of the utilisation of renewable energy resources in Libya

Renewable energy in Libya, in particular solar and wind energy, can partly cover current local energy demands. It can also, through connections to the Middle East, Africa and Europe, provide neighbouring countries with electricity. Additionally, with the increase in energy demand around the world, and the international effort to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels, there has been a drive in many oil-rich countries to diversify their energy portfolios and resources. Libya is currently interested in utilising its renewable energy resources in order to reduce the financial and energy dependency on oil reserves. This research investigates the current utilisation and the future of renewable energy in Libya, and the challenges and opportunities for investment in renewable energy in Libya. This study has explored the possibility of utilising the available renewable energy resources in Libya to offer the Libyan government a strategy for providing sustainable energy resources. This is expected to reduce carbon emissions, and help achieve an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable energy future. Interviews have been conducted with managers, consultants and decision makers from different government organisations, and have included energy policy makers, energy generation companies and major energy consumers. A comprehensive survey has been conducted to evaluate several characteristics of domestic energy demand and energy consumption in Libya. The findings have indicated that, despite the recent political changes and the challenges that face the implementation of renewable energy technologies in Libya, renewable energy opportunities are still strategically of high importance. Solar and wind energy are considered the main sources of renewable energy for Libya. It has been found that energy demand is increasing in Libya and that renewable energy could be a solution to cover some of this demand. In addition, the results have indicated that there are no clear policies that support the implementation of renewable energy projects within Libya, and no clear legislation aimed at the types of technical, commercial and environmental issues which must be addressed for the implementation of renewable energy projects in Libya. Legislations governing the legal support for facilitating the spread of renewable energy in Libya are also limited. Moreover, there is a need to attract investors in renewable technologies by enhancing the country's infrastructure and improving the existing investment regulations.