By: ESI Africa

The project was implemented in eight months and is now operating at full capacity and estimated to produce 2,182MW of clean electricity annually.

The plant has a capacity of 1MW, meaning it can produce up to a million watts of electricity at any given moment under optimal conditions, which is enough to meet the needs of about 500 to 1,000 households, depending on consumption.

The solar plant is expected to help reduce the use of diesel by approximately 545,000 litres a year and reduce carbon emissions by around 1,300 tons.

Libya looking to solar, other renewables to supply clean energy

Oil-rich Libya is aiming to meet its rising energy demands with renewable resources, of which solar has been identified as having “immense potential” by authorities.

The country’s renewable energy strategy aims to achieve 4GW of capacity by 2035, representing 20% of the country’s energy portfolio. 

With a population of approximately seven million people, Libya is facing electricity demand surpassing the capacity of its oil and gas-powered plants.

At the beginning of 2024, Libya held Africa’s largest proved oil reserves, at 48 billion barrels, representing 41% of the continent’s total reserves, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

The North African country aims to diversify its energy mix by increasing its share of renewable sources, particularly solar. Energy demand in Libya is projected to reach 20GW this year.

Kufra solar project collaboration

The Kufra solar project was implemented via a collaboration between Infinity Libya and Touch Company, operated by trained Libyan engineers, within the company’s vision to build local capacities in the renewable energy sector.

Infinity Libya and the Free Jouf region recently announced the completion and delivery of the solar plants.

The station is not only the environmental impact, but also contributed to providing local job opportunities and supporting economic development in the Kufra region, said Infinity Libya.

Fahd Benhalim, Managing Director of Infinity Libya, told the Libya Herald publication: “This project represents a turning point for renewable energy in Libya. With the Kufra plant now operational, we are not only reducing dependence on diesel but also laying the groundwork for more ambitious developments.

“We are actively working to expand renewables in key sectors including oil and gas, agriculture, and industry, ensuring that clean energy becomes a cornerstone of Libya’s future.”