The commissioning of the first phase of the gas pipeline linking the Farigh gas field to Brega marks a decisive step for Libyan energy production. This project, led by the National Oil Corporation (NOC), strengthens the gas supply to power plants and strategic industries in the east of the country.

Project Background

The Farigh field, operated by Waha Oil Company (a subsidiary of the NOC), recently saw the addition of new gas wells producing up to 14 million cubic feet per day. The Farigh-Brega gas pipeline aims to transport this gas to the Brega industrial complex, a key hub for processing gas, fertilizers, and methanol.

This development is part of a broader NOC strategy to increase gas production to 28 million cubic meters per day by 2030, with a focus on exports to Europe via infrastructure such as Greenstream.

Economic and Energy Impacts

The first phase of the pipeline will increase gas flows to the Sarir power plants and the Brega refineries, stabilizing the electricity supply during peak summer demand. This reduces reliance on fuel imports and optimizes costs for the NOC, while also supporting associated oil production.

Economically, this project boosts revenues for Libya, Africa’s leading oil producer, targeting 2 million barrels per day. It also attracts foreign investment, such as the recent agreements with TotalEnergies and ConocoPhillips.

Prospects for Africa and Europe

In North Africa, this infrastructure strengthens Libya’s position in the regional gas market, at a time when trans-Saharan projects are being revived. For Europe, seeking diversification in the wake of the Ukrainian crisis, Libya could export more via Italy, with shale gas drilling planned for 2026.

Despite recurring security challenges (pipeline closures by factions), this launch signals a stabilization of the sector. The NOC plans new tenders in 2026 to accelerate these ambitions.