Libya has inaugurated its first solar power plant in the southeastern region of Kufra, in the heart of the Sahara Desert bordering Egypt, Sudan, and Chad. The 1MW facility, completed in eight months, is now operating at full capacity and is estimated to generate 2,182MWh of clean electricity annually—enough to power 500 to 1,000 households depending on consumption.

The launch forms part of a broader $10 billion solar energy programme designed to produce 4GW of power by 2035, equivalent to nearly 20% of the country’s energy portfolio. Officials said the initiative aims to reduce Libya’s dependence on fossil fuels while modernizing its fragile electricity grid.

Libya enjoys more than 3,200 hours of sunlight annually, offering significant potential for solar development. The programme, developed in partnership with international investors, will be rolled out in three phases: 1.7GW by 2027, 2.5GW by 2030, and the full 4GW target by 2035.

Five flagship projects anchor the plan, including the 1MW Kufra plant, a $1 billion, 500MW Saddada facility with TotalEnergies of France, a 200MW Ghadames project financed by Ireland’s AG Energy, a 500MW Go Green rooftop initiative for hospitals and farms, and a 1,500MW eastern mega-project led by PowerChina and France’s EDF.

Authorities estimate the programme could save $500 million, $700 million annually in fuel costs by 2030, rising to more than $2 billion by 2035, while reducing carbon emissions by over 3 million tonnes per year. It is also expected to create up to 40,000 jobs.

Libya’s strategic location near Europe presents opportunities for electricity exports and green hydrogen production. Analysts suggest successful implementation could contribute up to 2% to GDP and attract an additional $5 billion in foreign investment.