Libya starts trial run of gas pipeline to boost exports

Libya has initiated the trial phase of a major Natural Gas pipeline, a project designed to alleviate production constraints and support the nation's long-term export ambitions. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) confirmed the start of operations for the 130-kilometer (80-mile) link, which connects the Intisar A/103 field to the Brega distribution network. The 42-inch pipeline is expected to recover approximately 150 million cubic feet of gas per day that was previously flared. By capturing these volumes, the NOC aims to bolster domestic energy supplies and increase the surplus available for international markets. This project had been stalled for roughly 16 years due to the country's complex political landscape. Technical improvements are a core component of this launch. The NOC stated that the new infrastructure would eliminate back pressure issues that had previously forced various fields to shut down, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the national gas grid. This development is part of a broader push to raise production to 1 billion standard cubic feet per day. As the continent's second-largest oil producer and a member of OPEC, the country is working to regain its standing in global energy markets. Recent efforts include the announcement of new discoveries and the awarding of exploration blocks in the first licensing round held since 2007. These steps are intended to attract foreign investment and increase exports to Europe by the early 2030s. While the nation holds an estimated 80 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, its current export capacity remains constrained. Existing infrastructure, such as the Greenstream pipeline to Italy, currently handles limited volumes. The successful integration of the new pipeline is seen as a vital step in modernizing the energy sector and securing a more stable economic future.