Libya has begun operating a new gas pipeline connecting the Farigh field in the Sirte Basin to the coastal energy hub of Brega, a move aimed at securing domestic gas supply for power generation and industry amid mounting concerns over shortages. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) confirmed that the first phase of the project is now active, with gas pumping underway since mid-March, according to local reports.
The initial stage of the pipeline links Field 103 in the Farigh system to a reception point in Zueitina, from where the flow enters an existing 42-inch pipeline managed by the Sirte Oil and Gas Production and Manufacturing Company. Gas will then be delivered to facilities in Brega and injected into the wider coastal network. Authorities say the infrastructure is crucial for meeting the energy needs of both power stations and industrial users, particularly as Libya faces growing domestic supply pressures.
Natural gas forms the backbone of Libya’s electricity production, accounting for roughly 70% of the national power mix, according to the International Energy Agency. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that Libya holds about 53 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, making the country one of the largest holders of natural gas in North Africa.
Despite abundant reserves, Libya has struggled with aging infrastructure, operational disruptions, and maintenance challenges. The NOC has previously warned that the country could face domestic gas shortages as early as 2026 if supply reliability is not improved. Analysts note that the efficiency of existing pipelines, including those feeding coastal power plants, is limited by years of deferred investment and wear and tear.
“The activation of the Farigh-Brega pipeline is an important step towards mitigating supply risks,” said energy analyst Ahmed Al-Taher. “It ensures that critical power and industrial facilities along the coast have a more secure source of gas, reducing vulnerability to outages.”
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The new pipeline is also seen as part of Libya’s broader strategy to modernize its energy sector and support industrial growth. In addition to domestic electricity production, reliable gas flows are critical for petrochemical plants, cement production, and other industrial facilities that rely heavily on gas as feedstock or fuel.
Libya’s gas infrastructure has historically been vulnerable to technical failures and political instability. Conflicts in the Sirte Basin and disruptions along coastal pipelines have at times interrupted supply, affecting electricity generation and industrial output. The NOC has invested in maintenance and capacity expansion to address these challenges, with the Farigh-Brega project representing a key milestone in this effort.
Experts highlight that further investment is needed across the sector. “Reviving Libya’s energy sector will require not just new pipelines but comprehensive upgrades to processing facilities, distribution networks, and monitoring systems,” said researcher Michael Stevens of the Middle East Institute. “Ensuring consistent gas flows is essential for economic stability and energy security.”
The Farigh-Brega pipeline is expected to provide immediate relief to the coastal energy network while laying the groundwork for future expansions. By increasing the reliability of domestic gas supply, authorities aim to reduce dependence on imports, minimize power disruptions, and support economic recovery in a country heavily reliant on energy revenues.
Libya’s energy sector remains central to its post-conflict reconstruction and economic stability. As the country navigates challenges including infrastructure rehabilitation, governance issues, and fluctuating international markets, projects such as the Farigh-Brega pipeline signal a renewed commitment to secure and sustainable domestic energy provision.
