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. For full article text, please visit: http://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/is-libyas-energy-future-green-4800/ Is Libya’s Energy Future Green? By: Nicolai Due-Gundersen April 14th, 2013 A few years back, an article appeared in the Tripoli Post outlining Libya’s energy prospects for Europe. What made the article different, however, was its focus on solar power rather than oil as the Libyan asset appealing to European clients across the sea. It’s not often one hears about Libya’s energy portfolio outside of oil and gas. Since the discovery of oil in 1959, Libya’s economic progress has been driven by hydrocarbon profits. Typically, oil and gas wealth has represented up to 90% of Libya’s income. Nonetheless, renewable energy has been a part of Libya’s energy policy since the 1970’s. Libya’s Center for Solar Energy Research and Studies was established in 1978. In 2007, Libya also created the Renewable Energy Authority. The Authority’s Planning and Studies Department was working on structured plans for balancing renewable and traditional energy sources as recently as 2011. “There is a plan [in Libya],” explained Dr Amin Al-Habibeh of Nottingham Trent University in 2011, “for renewable energy sharing with traditional energy to reach 30% by the year 2030.” The plan, launched during the Gaddafi era, included wind energy, but had a stronger focus on concentrated solar power and solar-related power generation. Indeed, even in the capacity of one of Europe’s largest oil exporters, Libya has attempted a certain focus on diversifying its energy portfolio. The Planning and Studies Department for Renewable Energy was in charge of diversifying Libya’s energy production methods. In 2007, the Green Mountain Project outlined a framework for antiquities preservation through the creation of a green village that would preserve Libya’s Roman history while also allowing for the development of a self-sustaining community through renewable sources. In a sense, such projects are not surprising given the strong potential for solar power in Libya. Comprised of up to 88% desert, Libya enjoys long hours of sunshine that are evenly distributed throughout the year. Solar power therefore represents an energy source that would be more stable than e.g. wind power. In addition, Libya’s proximity to the Tropic of Cancer ensures enough solar radiation to provide the country with the energy equivalent of over 4,000 barrels of oil a day. “This number,” explains Dr. Al-Habibeh, “is 6 times more than [typical] Libyan production of oil.” At the very least, his findings claim, renewable sources like wind and solar can complement conventional energy sectors by being used during peak loads on the electric grid, a time when conventional systems may struggle to cope. The idea of a Libyan renewable sector is not new. However, Libya’s traditional reliance on hydrocarbons has intensified due to damaged equipment in the war in 2011. Media coverage and government bodies have neglected a renewable dialogue in favor of analyzing the future of Libya’s hydrocarbon recovery. Yet, amid news of returning international oil firms, is it not worth examining how Libya could work toward a renewable sector that complements its hydrocarbon recovery? For full article text, please visit: http://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/is-libyas-energy-future-green-4800/  follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 Geopoliticalmonitor.com, All rights reserved.  You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website.  Our mailing address is:  Geopoliticalmonitor.com 5700-100 King Street West Toronto, On M5X1C7 Canada