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Sarir Power Plant

Kufra, Libya

2008 - 2013
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Project Description

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The Sarir Power Plant is a large-scale natural gas-fired power-generation infrastructure project located in the Sarir Oil Field in Kufra, southeast Libya. 1 2 Developed as part of Libya’s national electricity expansion program, the project represents the country’s first fully natural gas-based power generation facility,3 4 Construction commenced in 2008, and the plant entered initial operation on March 30, 2010, supporting long-term power generation objectives led by General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL).5 6
The project’s vision is to “strengthen the reliability and efficiency of Libya’s electricity supply”. 7 8
It aims to deliver high-capacity, utility-scale electricity generation through advanced gas turbine technology. Initially designed with a normal configuration of three generating units rated at 250 Megawatts each, the facility achieved an installed capacity of approximately 855 Megawatts. 9 10 This scale positions Sarir Power Plant as one of the most significant power generation assets in Eastern Libya.11

Title: Satellite image of the Sarir Power Plant and associated facilities, Sarir Oil Field, Kufra, Libya.

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Title: Aerial view of the Sarir Power Plant, Sarir Oil Field, Kufra, Libya.

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Title: Installation of the generator for the third gas unit at the Sarir Power Plant.

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Title: Sarir Gas Power Plant, Sarir Oil Field, Libya. Images illustrating construction and final layout of the 855 Megawatts facility.

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To implement this vision, the project was implemented through an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) delivery model involving international contractors and technology providers, under the oversight of GECOL. Key components include: 12

  • · Three heavy-duty gas turbines (SGT5-4000F models) supplied by Siemens,
  • Internal power plant roads and utilities,13
  • Residential housing facilities and a mosque for on-site staff. 14

Each generating unit delivers between 250 Megawatts and 285 Megawatts, depending on contractual configuration and reporting source.15

The Sarir Power Plant reflects core values of efficiency, sustainability, and long-term national asset creation.16 In 2021, the facility officially transitioned from liquid fuel operation to 100 percent natural gas, reinforcing its role as Libya’s first fully gas-fired power station. 17 Additionally, the facility currently operates with a production capacity of 750 megawatts and ongoing refurbishment work is being conducted on the gas units to boost production capacity and meet growing electricity demand. 18

Owner/Developer (Public)

General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL)35

GESCO (Global Electrical Services Company)36

Consultant/Designer

Funder

Contractor/Implementer

Hyundai Heavy Industries (South Korea)38

GESCO (Global Electrical Services Company)39

Siemens (Germany)40

Owner/Developer (Public)

General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL)35

GESCO (Global Electrical Services Company)36

Contractor/Implementer

Hyundai Heavy Industries (South Korea)38

GESCO (Global Electrical Services Company)39

Siemens (Germany)40

Funder

Consultant/Designer

The project is 100 percent owned and operated by General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL).19 20 Engineering, procurement and construction were undertaken by a consortium led by Global Electrical Services Company (GESCO),a joint venture between GECOL and Eskom of South Africa, in partnership with Hyundai Heavy Industries out of South Korea.21 22 Turbine technology and ongoing technical support are provided by Siemens.23 24 25 The project’s implementation was divided into phases: 26

  • Phase 1 (2010): Commissioning of the first gas unit (≈ 285 megawatts)27 28
  • Phase 2 (2012): Second unit brought online (adding ≈ 285 megawatts) 29
  • Phase 3 (late 2013): Final unit completed (raising total installed capacity to ≈ 855 megawatts) 30

The Sarir Power Plant is fully operational, with all three units active. Refurbishment and upgrade programs are ongoing to enhance capacity and meet growing electricity demand.31 32 The total project cost is estimated at approximately USD 500 million.33
Upon completion of the current upgrade works, the Sarir Power Plant is expected to remain a basic component of Libya’s electricity infrastructure, maintaining its distinction as the country’s first fully natural gas-based generation facility and serving as a critical asset for long-term energy security and infrastructure resilience. 34

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