Solar energy in Libya today represents the cornerstone of the national transition towards sustainability. It is no longer merely a complementary environmental option, but a strategic necessity dictated by global geopolitical and economic shifts. Libya possesses a unique energy reserve that places it at the forefront of countries qualified to lead the renewable energy sector in the Mediterranean basin. Estimates from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicate that the potential capacity for solar energy generation in Libyan territory is equivalent to about six times the country's current oil production. This vast discrepancy between natural potential and actual production raises fundamental questions about the institutional and technical mechanisms required to transform this "yellow gold" into an electrical current that feeds the national grid, which suffers from frequent shortages.
Radiometric Potential and Geophysical Characteristics of Libyan Territory
Geographically, Libya is located within the global "Sunbelt," a region characterized by the highest levels of solar radiation on the planet. The desert covers about 88% of the country's area, constituting vast uninhabited expanses that provide an ideal environment for establishing giant solar farms.
In-depth studies analyzing solar radiation data across twenty-three Libyan cities indicate that the average number of sunshine hours exceeds 3,500 hours annually, with an average daily solar radiation rate of approximately 6.5 kWh per square meter.
Regional Analysis of Solar Radiation Intensity
Aggregated data from geographical surveys shows a noticeable variation in generation capacities between the northern and southern regions. While coastal areas like Tripoli and Al Khoms record good radiation levels, the southern regions emerge as massive energy reservoirs due to clear skies and low atmospheric humidity levels.
| Geographical Region | Representative City | Annual Radiation Rate (kWh/m²) | Average Daily Radiation (J/m²/day) | Technical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast | Al Kufra | 2,459 | 24,256,829 | Highest economic feasibility levels |
| Southwest | Murzuq | 2,410 | 24,128,866 | Ideal for photovoltaic projects |
| Deep South | Ghat | 2,260 | 22,698,253 | Strategic potential for remote areas |
| Western Coast | Tripoli | 1,954 | 19,547,572 | Suitable for distributed and residential systems |
| Eastern Coast | Al Khoms | 1,936 | 19,097,772 | National radiation minimum |
These figures translate into astonishing economic facts. It is estimated that every single square kilometer in the Libyan desert receives annual solar energy thermally equivalent to about 1.5 million barrels of crude oil.
From the perspective of water and agricultural sustainability, areas like the Al Jaghbub depression in the northeast stand out as promising sites that have undergone solar radiation estimation studies for the years (2023-2027) using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies to determine the optimal locations for building plants that serve the sustainability of energy and water resources in those oases.
