The General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL) announced last Thursday (23 July) that final work is underway to complete the Tripoli South power plant project—one of Libya’s largest electricity generation projects.
The power plant comprises four generation units and boasts a production capacity of 1,320 megawatts.
The timely announcement comes as increasing power cuts, load shedding and two blackouts have hit western and eastern Libya. The eastern branch of the Man-Made River has had a total power failure three times in two weeks.
Notably, GECOL said the Tripoli South plant is set to be connected to the national grid in the ‘‘soon’’, without committing to a specific date.
It said this move will boost power generation capacity and enhance grid efficiency, thereby improving service stability and reducing deficits during peak demand periods, ultimately ensuring a more stable and reliable service for citizens.
GECOL: Raising expectations?
It could be said that GECOL is taking a risk by raising expectations with this announcement in view of the recent demonstrations against power cuts.
Experts have said that the power grid lacks about 1,100 MW of generation – so when the Tripoli South plant does indeed come online – it will be a relief to the under-pressure GECOL, the Tripoli government and the frustrated public.
600 MW to be added to network from three power plants
On 15 July, GECOL had announced that generation units are about to enter production and contribute to the national grid following the maintenance and the successful completion of operational trials.
GECOL said this comes as part of its efforts to enhance production capacity and improve the stability of electricity supply.
The company explained that the new units will add more than 600 megawatts to the network, distributed over three stations.
These include the sixth gas unit at the Zueitina plant with a production capacity of 250 MW, the third gas unit at the Zawia plant with a capacity of 220 MW, and the third gas unit at the Ubari plant with a capacity of 160 MW.
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