Libya Solar Potential 5x Larger Than Oil Reserves (Infographic)

Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News!

If Libya covered just 0.1% of its land mass with solar panels, it could generate around five times the amount of energy from solar power that it currently produces in crude oil according to research published in the journal Renewable Energy.

Libya is the 16th largest country in the world in terms of land mass according to OPEC.org. Its economy depends primarily on revenues from the oil sector, which contribute about 95 percent of export earnings, about one quarter of gross domestic product, and 60 percent of public sector wages. Substantial revenues from the energy sector, combined with a small population, give Libya one of the highest per capita GDPs in Africa.

Libya

Chip in a few dollars a month to help support independent cleantech coverage that helps to accelerate the cleantech revolution!

Libya has the potential to become a renewable energy giant according to Responding to Climate Change. It boasts a very high daily solar radiation rate — on a flat coastal plain it is about 7.1 kilowatt hours per square metre per day (kWh/m²/day) and in the south region it is about 8.1kWh/m²/day.

If you compare the UK to Libya, Great Britain has less than half that amount at about 2.95kWh/m²/day.

Because Libya has developed its economy based on oil and natural gas, it is a struggle to change that structure. The country does not have the skilled workforce to install and maintain renewable energy systems. With the right investment and training, the country could surpass its current revenue base with clean, sustainable energy. Libya has the potential to supply all of its own electricity needs and an exportable, significant part of its neighbor’s needs from the renewable energy resources available in this oil rich country.


Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.

Latest CleanTechnica TV Video


Advertisement
 
CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. See our policy here.

Amber Archangel

-- I am an artist, painter, writer, interior designer, graphic designer, and constant student of many studies. Living with respect for the environment close at hand, the food chain, natural remedies for healing the earth, people and animals is a life-long expression and commitment. As half of a home-building team, I helped design and build harmonious, sustainable and net-zero homes that incorporate clean air systems, passive and active solar energy as well as rainwater collection systems. Private aviation stirs a special appeal, I would love to fly in the solar airplane and install a wind turbine in my yard. I am a peace-loving, courageous soul, and I am passionate about contributing to the clean energy revolution. I formerly designed and managed a clean energy website, 1Sun4All.com.

Amber Archangel has 195 posts and counting. See all posts by Amber Archangel