'We've run out of earthly solutions': Inside Libya's electricity crisis

Inside Libya's electricity crisis, blackouts sparked by a decade of fractured governance, underinvestment, and corruption have left the oil and gas-rich nation unable to keep its lights on. With a population of over 7.5 million and producing more than 1.3 million barrels of oil daily, Libya's power grid has been compromised due to a lack of reliable electricity supply.

Recent heatwaves, temperatures reaching 50°C, have exacerbated the situation, causing daily outages lasting between six to ten hours. The crisis has prompted protests in Tripoli, Zawiya, Misrata, and other cities, demanding a more reliable electricity supply and Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah's resignation. A significant portion of Libya's electricity comes from natural gas, leaving the power grid vulnerable to gas shortages and disruptions.

Oil accounts for the rest. Analyst Hamish Kinnear stated that the crisis will only end with a long-term strategy to provide a more reliable electricity supply, be it through refined fuels or renewable energy sources. Libyans have endured almost daily power outages, affecting businesses, water bottling plants, and small restaurants.

Some businesses have resorted to using generators while others have shut down entirely. Despite Egypt's recent efforts to boost electricity export capacity to Libya, the additional supply only covers a small fraction of the country's electricity needs.