Libya is set to enhance its infrastructure with six major projects in 2024, including a new airport and a metro system in Benghazi, according to the American website “Energy Capital & Power. These projects also include railway initiatives and a solar power plant, as part of a broader economic growth strategy spearheaded by Government-designate, headedby Osama Hammad.
The developments coincide with the inauguration of five newly constructed bridges in January, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing transport and renewable energy infrastructure across the region.
New Benghazi Airport
The first project highlighted by Energy Capital & Power involves constructing a new airport in Benghazi, a collaboration between the Benghazi municipality and the Emirati aviation firm, Terminals Holdings. Located 18 kilometers southeast of Benghazi in the previously abandoned Benghazi Flying Club area, this project aligns with the city’s economic plan to modernize and develop its urban areas.
Eastern Libyan Railway
A partnership formed in November 2023 between the Chinese consortium BFI and Tripoli’s railway operators will oversee the development of the Eastern railway project. This collaboration reflects significant Chinese interest in investing in Benghazi and other Libyan cities to support development and reconstruction efforts.
Sirte-Benghazi Rail Project
The third project revives plans initially made in 2008 for a railway connecting Sirte and Benghazi. This initiative, undertaken by the Libyan Railways in partnership with Russian Railways, aims to build a 554-kilometer rail line, which began in 2008 with an investment of $4.5 billion. The project includes developing infrastructure and housing for workers, with employment plans for 3,500 Libyan and Russian personnel.
Benghazi Urban Plan
The fourth initiative involves an urban development plan for Benghazi, executed in partnership with the Greek engineering consultancy firm, LEAD, starting in June 2023. This comprehensive plan aims to improve urban infrastructure, water channels, green spaces, and ensure fully serviced residential areas with access to essential services such as sanitation, water, electricity, roads, and public utilities.
PowerChina-EDF Solar Plant
The fifth project focuses on establishing a 1500-megawatt solar power facility in Eastern Libya, following a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2023 with the construction group Power China, French utility company, and the Hammad government. Power China expressed its readiness to undertake solar power projects in Libya, emphasizing environmental considerations and waste recycling.
Benghazi Metro
Lastly, the sixth project involves constructing a metro system in Benghazi, based on a partnership agreement signed by the Hammad government in May 2023 with a consortium including the Chinese group BFI, China Railway Group, the consulting firm Arup, and Siemens Technology Group. Predominantly funded by China, this project requires no financial input from Libyan entities and is expected to be completed within seven to nine years.
These ambitious projects are part of Libya’s efforts to recover from past conflicts and natural disasters like Storm Daniel, aiming to rejuvenate its infrastructure and bolster economic stability in the region.
