The Chairman of the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL), Mohamed Omar Al-Mashai met with officials from French energy giant, Total Energies.
They discussed a 500 MW solar energy project, that would connect to the national grid. This project would increase production capacity, and be the first environmentally friendly, alternative energy project in Libya.
The Regional Manager of Total Energies, Pascal Breant confirmed his willingness to start the project soon. He also discussed “expanding the horizons of joint cooperation by establishing other projects, according to a plan set for a specific period of time.”
According to GECOL’s statement, Total is “ready to start its work and harness its capabilities to invest in Libya, which is rich in solar energy.”
Al-Mashai praised the “tremendous efforts and cooperation between the two parties.”
In August, the Chairman of Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), Farhat Bengdara met with Patrick Pouyanné, the CEO of Total.
During the meeting, they discussed Total Energies’ multi-energy strategy and activities in Libya. As well as the strategic agreements signed with the Libyan authorities in November 2021 for the sustainable development of the country’s natural resources.
Pouyanné confirmed his commitment to the country and expressed his willingness to launch new investments to increase Libya’s oil production. This is to supply the world market, as well as boost gas output for both the domestic and the European export markets.
The two officials also discussed strengthening investments in Libya’s renewable energy sector. Pouyanné stressed that they “aim to help the country build a more sustainable future through an improved use of its natural resources, including solar energy, which will directly improve the accessibility of cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable electricity to the Libyan people.”
Total Energies has been present in Libya since 1954. In 2021, the company’s production was 84,000 bpd.