The Renewable Energy Authority of Libya (REAoL) reported yesterday that, in cooperation with the Germany’s GIZ, it had held a high-level national workshop to review and discuss the draft renewable energy law in Libya. The workshop was held in Tunis from 18 to 19 December.
REAoL said the two-day workshop reflects a qualitative shift in Libya’s energy policies, and is a culmination of a national process led by the REAoLNin partnership with various stakeholders. Its aim is to establish the first comprehensive national legal framework to regulate the renewable energy sector in Libya, following years of legislative vacuum that hindered the optimal exploitation of the country’s vast natural resources, particularly in the fields of solar and wind energy.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of REAoL emphasized that this workshop was not merely a technical meeting or a formality, but rather a formal declaration of the launch of the legislative process to adopt the first comprehensive national law on renewable energy. This law will keep pace with the rapid global transformations in the energy sector and position Libya among the countries striving for gradual liberation from dependence on fossil fuels and the development of a modern and sustainable energy system.
He stressed that the anticipated law would form the cornerstone of building an energy system capable of attracting investments, enhancing the stability of electricity supplies, and supporting the national economy, thereby strengthening energy security and serving the goals of sustainable development.
The workshop witnessed high-level participation from officials, decision-makers, and legal professionals, along with a select group of national and international experts and consultants specializing in renewable energy legislation and policies, reflecting a broad national consensus on the strategic importance of this issue. The discussions focused on a comprehensive review of the draft law’s provisions to ensure clarity of powers, strengthen governance and transparency principles, and create an attractive investment environment, while aligning the law’s provisions with national policies and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Participants emphasized that the absence of a legislative framework has been the most significant obstacle to developing the renewable energy sector since the establishment of REAoL. They considered this workshop a crucial step towards breaking the deadlock and initiating a new phase based on institutional planning, opening the door for the private sector to contribute to the development of this vital sector.
The workshop concluded on the evening of Friday 19 December with the approval of the draft law and its referral to the relevant authorities to complete the final ratification procedures.
REAoL said this law is expected to play a vital role in diversifying energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, creating quality job opportunities, lowering carbon emissions, enhancing economic stability, and contributing to addressing the challenges of climate change.
