On Saturday, Libyan Oil and Gas Minister, Mohamed Aoun revealed Libya’s ambitious plan to become a renewable energy powerhouse for Europe.
Leveraging its geographical positioning in the sun-drenched Solar Belt, Libya aims to channel sustainable electric power to the European continent, aligning with global energy transition trends.
During the 44th African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) ministerial meeting, presided over by Benin’s Minister of Energy, Aoun underscored Libya’s geographic advantages for solar energy production, envisioning a future where Libya “bridges the energy gap for Europe via green corridors spanning land, sea, and rail.”
He added that they are set to deploy this renewable energy strategy, to cement its role in the global fight against climate change, while fostering regional development.
In a groundbreaking strategy to mitigate environmental impact, Libya has set a deadline to end the environmentally detrimental practice of gas flaring by the end of 2025.
This initiative is part of a comprehensive environmental policy, aiming to drastically reduce methane emissions and facilitate a transition to a circular carbon economy, highlighting the role of carbon capture and storage (CCUS) technologies.
Aoun emphasised Libya’s eco-centric mission, underscoring its “minimal historical contribution to climate change, and its proactive steps toward environmental stewardship.”
Despite its developmental status, Libya is poised to fulfil its obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), balancing global environmental responsibilities, with national development goals.
This move signals a transformative step towards a sustainable energy future, and represents a significant stride in supporting the global agenda for a greener, more resilient energy landscape.
Notably, the Libyan Parliament has recently urged the government to cease exporting oil and gas to countries supporting the Israeli occupation, amid the ongoing aggression in Gaza.
The Parliament firmly expressed its rejection of Palestinian displacement, emphasising the need for an immediate halt to the aggression, which it referred to as a “genocidal campaign by Zionist gangs.”
It further called for an urgent meeting at the leadership level within the Arab League and Islamic organisations. It urged the convening of an emergency session at the United Nations General Assembly in this context.