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In this interview, Pedro Ribeiro, Country Chair & Managing Director of TotalEnergies, outlines the company’s long-term strategy and commitment to Libya’s energy sector, built on more than 70 years of partnership with the country. He emphasizes Libya’s world-class energy potential and TotalEnergies’ central role in supporting increased production, new investment, and sustainable development. TotalEnergies’ strategy in Libya is structured around four core priorities: boosting oil and gas production through optimisation of major assets such as Waha and Sharara, advancing key projects including the Mabruk restart in early 2026, driving the energy transition through a landmark 500 MW solar project near Misrata and emissions-reduction initiatives, strengthening partnerships with the Ministry of Oil and Gas and the National Oil Corporation, and maintaining the highest standards in safety, HSEQ, and community development. As Libya prepares for new investment rounds and exploration opportunities, Ribeiro highlights TotalEnergies’ role as a key partner to nearly half of Libya’s national production, supporting NOC and operating companies through production enhancement, infrastructure reinvestment, and advanced technologies to unlock onshore and offshore potential efficiently and responsibly.
Q1: TotalEnergies has been a long-standing partner in Libya’s energy sector. What are the key priorities guiding your current strategy in Libya, especially as the country looks to boost production and attract new international investment?
Libya is a country with world class energy potential, and TotalEnergies is proud of its seven decades-long partnership here. Our strategy is anchored on four priorities:
- Boosting Oil & Gas Production: We are optimizing performance at Waha and Sharara fields, which recently achieved record outputs of 370,000 and 300,000 barrels per day respectively. This includes infill drilling, well stimulation, and infrastructure upgrades. We’re also advancing new projects like the Mabruk restart in early 2026 and future major developments in Waha Concession.
- Driving Energy Transition: We’re developing a 500 MW solar project near Misrata and implementing measures to reduce flaring and methane emissions.
- Strengthening Partnerships: Collaboration with MOG and NOC remains central. Our increased stake in Waha reflects confidence in Libya’s potential.
- Safety and Community Development: We uphold the highest HSEQ standards and invest in local talent and community programs to ensure long-term socio-economic benefits.
Q2: As Libya prepares major rounds of investment and new exploration opportunities, what role do you envision TotalEnergies playing in shaping the next phase of Libya’s upstream growth and regional energy leadership?
TotalEnergies will play a key role in Libya’s upstream growth. We are already partners to nearly half of the country’s national production and have been supporting NOC and the OPCOs we have a participation in implementing comprehensive production enhancement initiatives aimed at adding additional barrels. Our approach combines optimizing existing fields, infill drilling, reinvestment in existing infrastructure, restarting projects like Mabruk, and identifying and adding additional resources by development or exploration. These efforts not only support Libya’s target of 2 million barrels per day but also reinforce its position as a regional energy leader.
Q3: Libya holds significant untapped onshore and offshore potential. How is TotalEnergies deploying advanced technologies and operational expertise to support efficient development of these resources?
We are leveraging advanced technologies to maximize efficiency and safety. This includes advanced drilling techniques, well integrity restoration, and enhanced water injection systems to boost recovery rates. These innovations are critical for unlocking Libya’s vast reserves while maintaining cost efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Q4: With the National Oil Corporation emphasizing increased output and faster project execution, how is TotalEnergies collaborating with NOC and its subsidiaries to accelerate project timelines and enhance operational performance?
Our partnership with NOC is at the heart of our operations. Together, we are implementing joint initiatives to reduce gas flaring, monetize gas for power generation, and accelerate project execution through shared technical expertise. For example, the restart of Mabruk and the North Gialo development are being advanced in close coordination with NOC and Waha Oil Company. This collaboration aims at delivering projects timely and operational excellence.
Q5: Sustainability and environmental performance are central to TotalEnergies’ global vision. What initiatives are being implemented in Libya to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and promote responsible operations?
Sustainability is a core pillar of our strategy. In Libya, we are working to eliminate routine flaring aligned with NOC objectives, reduce methane emissions, and integrate renewable energy through our 500 MW solar project. We are also investing in energy efficiency upgrades across our facilities such as the replacement of old power generation equipment by more modern and efficient machines. These actions align with our global ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, together with society.
Q6: Local content is a strong focus for the Libyan government. How is TotalEnergies contributing to workforce development, training, and broader economic value creation for Libyan communities?
Local content is fundamental to our approach. We run programs like ‘TotalEnergies University in Tripoli’ to train young Libyan talent, and we invest in community projects in health, education, and sports. Our initiatives include renovating hospitals, funding cancer treatment programs, and supporting disaster relief efforts. These efforts ensure that our operations create lasting economic and social value for Libyan communities.
