Libya’s eastern-based government is stepping up its push into renewable energy with talks underway for a landmark green hydrogen project. The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, under the Libyan Government-designate, met on Tuesday with global firm H2-Global to discuss a $billion-scale initiative to produce one million tons of green hydrogen annually for export to international markets.
The high-level meeting took place at the ministry’s headquarters in Benghazi and included Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Awad Al-Badri, the Chairman of the National Electricity Holding Company, and the National Program Committee for Solar Energy Localization.
Representing H2-Global, Ahmed Al-Azzam, Chairman of the Global Consultancy and Technical Support Company for Infrastructure Projects, presented the project’s economic feasibility and development benefits.
According to projections, the project could contribute significantly to Libya’s public budget and generate over 10,000 jobs for Libyan youth—highlighting both economic and strategic value.
At the close of the meeting, both parties agreed to proceed with signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paving the way for practical implementation. The move signals Libya’s increasing seriousness about investing in clean energy and securing its position as a future green energy hub.
Green hydrogen is a clean fuel generated from renewable sources and emits no carbon dioxide, unlike traditional fossil fuels. As climate change accelerates and energy prices surge globally, green hydrogen has become a focal point for nations seeking sustainable energy alternatives.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) previously identified Libya as one of the most promising countries for low-cost green hydrogen production, stressing the urgent need for African nations to adopt clean energy strategies amid rising global energy prices.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
