Libya’s Planning Institute announced today the conclusion of the Second Training Programme for ‘‘Energy Officers in Public Buildings’’.
Held in the Institute’s Tripoli Main Hall following four consecutive days of training, the event was organized through a collaboration between the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Planning Institute, as part of the Sustainable Transformation and Partnership in Energy and Environment (STEP) project.
Enhancing capabilities of public sector personnel in energy management
The programme aimed to enhance the capabilities of public sector personnel in energy management and improve consumption efficiency within public buildings. It focused on developing participants' skills in monitoring and analysing energy consumption rates, evaluating building performance, and identifying opportunities for consumption rationalization and economically viable energy savings.
The training programme covered several specialized topics, including the preparation of energy performance reports, the optimization of operation and maintenance processes, and an introduction to relevant energy efficiency standards, alongside a review of methods for integrating renewable energy sources into public buildings.
The Planning Institute said this programme was implemented as part of efforts to support Libya’s goals regarding energy efficiency and renewable energy, build institutional capacity, and promote sustainable energy management practices in public buildings. These efforts contribute to rationalizing consumption, improving performance, and supporting the transition toward a more sustainable economy.
This summer’s acute power cuts: calls for more renewables
The ‘‘Energy Officers in Public Buildings’’ training programme could be seen within the wider Libyan government policy to adopt renewable energy technologies and practices to meet electricity needs.
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.