Libya Pushes TotalEnergies to Expand Oil and Gas Investment as Production Plans Advance
Libya is pushing TotalEnergies to increase investment in its oil and gas sector as the country looks to raise production and develop more of its energy infrastructure. Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Abdel Sadig, met TotalEnergies Chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné on the sidelines of the ONS 2026 conference in Norway. The talks focused on the French company’s investment programme in the Waha concessions, production growth, infrastructure development and the next phase of the Mabrouk oil field, according to the Libya Herald.
The two sides also discussed expanding gas investment, reducing gas flaring and finding ways to turn more of Libya’s gas resources into economic value. Renewable energy projects were also part of the discussions, with the minister stressing the need to speed up new investment by TotalEnergies.
Bigger Investment
The meeting comes at an important point for TotalEnergies in Libya. The company has operated in Libya for more than 60 years and holds interests in several major concessions, including Waha, Mabruk, Al Jurf, El Sharara and fields in the Murzuq Basin. TotalEnergies also recently restarted production at the Mabruk field after a long shutdown. The company says it signed an extension of the Waha concessions through 2050 earlier this year. TotalEnergies says it remains active in oil exploration and production across the country.
The Waha concession is particularly important. In January, Libya signed a 25-year agreement involving TotalEnergies and ConocoPhillips that is designed to support major investment and increase production capacity. Reuters reported that the agreement could add up to 850,000 barrels per day of production capacity over time. Reuters
That makes the latest meeting about more than a short-term increase in output. Libya wants international oil companies to put more capital into existing fields, infrastructure and new developments so that higher production can be sustained. The timing is also significant because Libyan oil production has recovered sharply. Combined crude and condensate output reached almost 1.49 million barrels per day in June, the highest level since 2013, according to the National Oil Corporation. Anadolu Agency
Beyond Oil
Libya’s challenge is turning higher oil production into a broader investment cycle. Oil still provides most of the government’s income, meaning higher production can give Libyan authorities more money to spend on infrastructure and public services. But higher output alone does not solve the country’s wider economic problems. Libya also needs investment in electricity, gas processing, transport infrastructure and industrial projects.
That is why the gas discussions with TotalEnergies are important. Libya has large gas resources, but much of the country’s gas is used domestically, while some is lost through flaring. Capturing more of that gas could provide additional fuel for power generation, reduce waste and potentially create more export opportunities.
The government is also looking at renewable energy as part of the wider energy mix. TotalEnergies has previously been involved in Libya’s renewable energy plans, including a proposed 500-megawatt solar project. For TotalEnergies, Libya offers access to a large resource base close to European markets. For Libya, international companies bring capital, technology and expertise that the country needs to develop fields and infrastructure faster.
The key issue will be execution. Libya can raise production targets and sign long-term agreements, but the economic benefit will depend on whether investment actually reaches the fields, pipelines, processing facilities and power infrastructure needed to support higher output.
The latest talks suggest Tripoli wants TotalEnergies to move faster on that investment. If the company expands its spending across oil, gas and renewable energy, TotalEnergies could become an even more important part of Libya’s effort to increase production while building a broader energy sector.
