By Sami Zaptia.
London, 10 June 2021:
Speaking at the Libya Investment Forum 2021 yesterday, National Oil Corporation (NOC) chairman Mustafa Sanalla talked of launching new projects to advance the Libyan oil sector, the renewal of out of service oil fields, getting the best benefit from renewable energies and the need for foreign investors.
The event was organized by the Libyan British Business Council (LBBC) and the Petroleum Economist.
Production fell due to conflict
Participating virtually from the NOC headquarters in Tripoli, Sanalla explained that the Libyan oil and gas sector has faced many setbacks in the last few years due to armed conflicts and disorder. This had led to the closure of many oil and gas fields and export terminals and resulted in an extreme reduction of daily production for prolonged periods of time.
“Our crude oil production went down repeatedly to as low as 100 thousand b/d, 7% of our regular production capacity. The prolonged shutdown of our production and export facilities caused excessive corrosion and damage to equipment, storage tanks and pipelines consequently limiting our capacity when these facilities were gradually put back online.
Furthermore, a number of oil fields (Ghani, Dahra, Mabruk, Zella,) were vandalized and virtually destroyed by raging intruders. These fields need an extensive rehabilitation to bring them back online. The NOC and its affiliated companies and partners were always up to the challenge and we could repeatedly bring back our production to more than 1 million b/d and I take here the opportunity to commend the courage and sacrifices of our champions in all operating sites.”, Sanalla explained.
Launch of future projects
Sanalla also spoke about most of the challenges facing the Libyan oil sector, and explained that the NOC has plans to launch a number of projects that will significantly contribute to achieving the NOC’s strategic goals for the future advancement and development of the sector at all levels.
To increase production to 2.1 bpd
He noted that the NOC’s long-term plans for oil production would be for it to reach rates of 2.1 million barrels per day, and 4.1 billion cubic feet per day of gas in the onshore and offshore fields.
Developing gas fields
Sanalla also touched on the NOC’s plans to develop discovered gas fields to meet the increasing demand for gas and extract liquid fuels currently used for power generation and direct them for export. In addition, the NOC has plans to move forward with field development plans for ongoing engineering studies for a number of gas discoveries both onshore and offshore including, Hamada NC7, Atshan NC200, and the two installations A & E in Zone D (the offshore blocks), the Al-Buri gas utilization project (GUP), Aroos Al-Bahar gas field, and the use of gas (Al-Serir – Msela, empty second stage).
Renewables and reduced carbon emissions
He indicated that the NOC is keen to benefit from renewable energies to meet part of the energy needed to operate oil facilities, by taking advantage of the great developments in renewable technologies. He also referred to the NOC’s keenness to reduce carbon emissions.
Oil and gas revenues represent 95% of Libya’s export earnings
Sanalla concluded his speech by saying: “Oil and gas revenues currently represent 95% of Libya’s export earnings. The NOC is making great efforts to ensure that the country’s oil and gas resources are wisely and sustainably produced, monetized and turned into the badly needed income for the development of the country and for improving the welfare of the Libyan citizens.’’
Rebuilding will require foreign investors
‘‘The large projects involved in the rebuilding, expansion and modernization of the damaged infrastructure will require huge investment and would require the involvement and assistance of foreign investors and service providers. We understand that any successful and long-lasting partnership will have to be based on a win-win relationship, we also understand that this can only happen in an environment of security and stability, and we are very optimistic about the latest political developments and formation of a Government of National Unity. We hope for a better future”.
“Finally, the future of the oil and gas sector in Libya is undoubtedly bright and promising and offers excellent opportunities for foreign investors and service providers. your attendance here today only feeds our optimism.”, concluded Sanalla.
Libya Investment Forum 2021 to be held on 9 June | (libyaherald.com)
