The New and Renewable Energies Research Centre at the University of Sirte held yesterday a one-day Scientific Symposium entitled "Clean Energy and Sustainable Development" under the slogan "Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Applications".
The symposium opened in the presence of Prof. Dr. Suleiman Al-Shater, President of the University, Dr. Al-Tayeb Al-Qubi, Vice President for Scientific Affairs, Mr. Miftah Bashir, Secretary General of the University, Eng. Nasreddin Al-Barqli, Member of the Board of Directors of the Renewable Energies Authority in Libya, several directors of the departments and centres, faculty members, students, and several interested parties.
During the First Session, the following scientific papers were presented:
· The first scientific paper was entitled ‘‘Libya and the energy of the future, the value-added revolution and sustainability’’, presented by Professor Dr. Mohamed Shaklouf.
· The second paper was entitled ‘‘The Future of Renewable Energy in the Arab World’’, delivered by Prof. Dr. Tarek Al-Tarhouni, a faculty member at Omar Al-Mukhtar University.
· The third paper was entitled ‘‘Determining the Economic, Environmental and Technical Conditions in the Libyan Energy Market to Achieve the Integration of Renewable Energies in the Electricity Sector’’, delivered by Prof. Dr. Yasser Nassar, Member Faculty at Al-Shati University.
· The fourth paper was entitled ‘‘Energy Management Systems in Buildings, delivered by Eng. Mohamed Al-Shuwaier on behalf of the Green Industry Centre.
· The fifth paper was titled ‘‘Research, Applied and Training Possibilities’’, delivered by Eng. Mokhtar Mohamed on behalf of the Libyan Centre for Solar Energy Studies.
· The sixth and final paper of the First Session was titled ‘‘Libya Towards Sustainable Energy: Vision, Path and Achievement’’, delivered by Eng. Siraj Abdel Latif at the Executive Board.
At the end of the first session, the door for discussion was opened for the attendees to exchange views and ideas on the scientific papers.
During the Second (and final) Session, the following papers were presented:
· The first paper titled "Solar Energy Applications in Homes," was delivered by Prof. Dr. Nasser Al-Barki on behalf of the Libya Reconstruction Holding Company.
· The second paper, "The Libyan Legislative Landscape for Renewable Energy: Current Reality vs. Aspirations," was presented by Dr. Abdulmajid Qasim from the Sirte Legal Affairs Department.
· The third paper, "Energy Management Using Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things," was delivered by Dr. Bashir Rahouma Al-Hab, a faculty member at Al-Marqab University.
· The fourth paper, "Green Industrial Transformation Initiative," was presented by Mr. Ali Kridish from the Green Industry Centre.
· The fifth and final paper, "Energy Efficiency Labels," was presented by Engineer Hanan Al-Toumi from the National Centre for Standards and Metrology.
At the conclusion of the session, the floor was opened for discussion and the exchange of views and ideas.
This summer’s acute power cuts: calls for more renewables
It will be recalled that Libya experienced a summer of very high temperatures, acute power cuts and blackouts. These led to violent demonstrations, road blockades, the barricading of government and state buildings and the storming of Mellitah Gas Complex.
It had also threatened to bring down the Tripoli based Prime Minister and his government.
The summer’s acute power cuts and their hugely disruptive effects on life and business have led to debates and calls about and for the need to implement more renewable energy sources and to reform the subsidy system.
Currently, the only major operating renewable energy project in Libya is the Al-Jouf Free Zone 1 MW solar power plant in Kufra completed in May 2025.
It will be recalled that in May 2022, Libya signed a preliminary agreement with France’s Total Energies to establish a solar power plant with a capacity of 500 megawatts in the Al-Sadada area, 280 km south-east of the capital Tripoli. However, despite several site visits and media pronouncements, the project has yet to be completed – with no tangible signs of its completion in sight.
Tripoli government’s August 2025 Directive No. 219765
It will also be recalled that the Tripoli government had, through directive No. 219765 issued in August 2025 through the state General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL), instructed all public entities and institutions funded by the public treasury to coordinate with the REAoL and adopt renewable energy technologies to meet their electricity needs.
It will also be recalled that Acting Minister of Local Government, Mohamed Bin Ghalboun held a meeting at his Tripoli office last Sunday (27 September) with Aseel Younis Mohamed, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Renewable Energy Holding Company.
The Ministry of Local Government reported that the two discussed mechanisms and programmes for deploying renewable energy systems to meet the needs of public administrative buildings and facilities, particularly municipal headquarters – in fulfilment of directive No. 219765.
It is hoped that the scientific papers of the Sirte University symposium and government policy on the ground will merge to result in the implementation of a wider renewable policy in Libya – in view of this summer’s acute electricity crisis.
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