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TotalEnergies to Drive Libya’s Production Expansion

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Pedro Ribeiro

Pedro Ribeiro, Managing Director and Country Chair – Libya for TotalEnergies, outlined the company’s plans to optimize field performance, boost output from Waha and Sharara and pursue exploration in the Murzuq Basin in an interview with Energy Capital & Power

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 22, 2025/APO Group/ — 

In an exclusive interview with Energy Capital & Power (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com), Pedro Ribeiro, Managing Director and Country Chair – Libya for TotalEnergies, shared the company’s strategic plans to enhance field performance, increase production at Waha and Sharara and advance exploration efforts in the Murzuq Basin.  

With TotalEnergies participating in approximately half of Libya’s national production, how do you plan to build on this success and support Libya’s ambitious goal to further increase its oil and gas output in the coming years? 

TotalEnergies has been present in Libya for over 60 years and is proud to have contributed, through its partnerships with the National Oil Corporation (NOC), to the development of Libyan oil and gas production and to the recent national production records above 1.4 mboe/d. Both Waha and Sharara, which TotalEnergies is a partner of, have recorded their highest daily productions over the decade, above 370 kbo/d for Waha and 300 kbo/d for Sharara. The plan of TotalEnergies to contribute to Libya’s further production expansion is threefold: 

  • By optimizing the performance of the operating fields: infills, reinstatement and maintenance of installations, wells stimulation, etc. The recent production records of Waha and Sharara have shown how significant are the outcomes of such a steady effort. 
  • By undertaking larger scale projects, such as Mabruk, which is set for a restart in 2025 thanks to an early production facility (EPF), which will bring production initially to 25 kb/d before a ramp-up to higher rates at later stages. Other new projects in Waha and Sharara are also being evaluated. 
  • By continuing our exploration effort. TotalEnergies, together with its partners, has resumed exploration activities in Libya’s Murzuq Basin, with the drilling of the Nesser well, putting an end to a long suspension of the exploration effort around Sharara. Libya holds a strategic position in TotalEnergies’ global upstream portfolio with its large, significantly untapped and low emitting resources. TotalEnergies is committed to further contribute to Libya’s production expansion. 

Could you provide an update on the current status of the Waha production baseline and any upcoming developments in this area? 

A consistent and ambitious production enhancement initiative has been launched in 2023 and has been steadily continued over 2024, aimed at increasing production by up to 120 kbo/d. By mobilizing drilling and work-over rigs, drilling wells, restoring the integrity and potential of the wells, renewing equipment and piping and reinstating water injection systems, significant outcomes have been targeted and achieved. Having just recorded a sequence of daily production records over 370 kbo/d, Waha testifies the relevance of the strategy putting a strong focus on the reliability and optimization of the existing fields. A number of challenges still lie ahead, and we trust the Waha partnership will deliver further. 

In addition, together with the NOC, TotalEnergies has continued to progress the ambitious North Gialo project, which has the potential to increase Waha’s production by another 100 kbo/d, and plans to spud an exploration well in 2025. 

Finally, safety is TotalEnergies’ first value. We are committed to constantly improve our Safety and Environment performance, which is also the best guarantee to achieve sustainable and steady production results. An integral part of the plan is to constantly promote and diffuse a strong progress in HSE culture throughout Waha’s operations. 

TotalEnergies has committed to reducing gas flaring and methane emissions in the Waha fields. Can you share more details on the specific actions being taken to achieve this and the timeline for implementation? What role do you see TotalEnergies playing in Libya’s broader energy transition? 

In 2023, TotalEnergies championed the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Carter (OGDC) launched at the COP28, which was signed by over 50 companies, and includes the objective of “near-zero methane emissions by 2030”. Similarly, on World Environment Day (June 5th, 2023), NOC’s statement announced “Mubadara 2030”, Arabic for “Initiative 2030”, with the ambition of “minimizing gas flaring across all fields, facilities, and oil sites” with the ultimate objective of eliminating flaring by the year 2030. 

Throughout its Libyan activities, TotalEnergies sees its role as a promoter of the best environmental practices that will make Libyan oil and gas as low impact as possible. A number of actions have been undertaken, together with the NOC and the operating companies, aiming at reducing and eliminating gas flaring or venting through gas recovery for generation whether on-site or for routing to gas power plants, and through optimization of compressors. Two initiatives embody what TotalEnergies is promoting as a responsible energy producer: 

  • TotalEnergies’ AUSEA technology, a drone-mounted suite of sensors ensuring access to hard-to-reach emission points while delivering readings with the highest precision, has been made available to its Libyan partnering operating companies. A concrete action to encourage the move toward zero methane emissions.
  • The Mabruk EPF will recover by design all the produced gas to use it for the process of heating needs. It will be the first of its kind in Libya.  

TotalEnergies is moving forward with its 500 MW solar PV project, in partnership with REAOL and GECOL. How do you view the potential for solar energy in Libya, and what steps is TotalEnergies taking to ensure the success of this project as a model for future renewable energy initiatives in the country? 

Libya enjoys a first-in-class solar irradiation, which makes solar a potential ideal substitute for fuel oil and gas for power or heat generation. Besides the resource, the development of solar projects requires several enablers that must be secured prior to launching construction: a suitable piece of land, a reliable grid connection to export the solar plant energy production to the end consumers and absorb the generated output, environmental and construction permits and an offtake contract securing the payment of the electricity produced. Together with REAOL and GECOL, and the support of the NOC, TotalEnergies is progressing in securing these enablers to make the Misrata 500 MW solar project a first of its kind in Libya. 

The sunlight is readily available in Libya with spacious land. While respecting the environment, opportunities for solar projects should be contemplated to substitute and complement fuel gas in supplying Libya with clean power. TotalEnergies sees its Misrata utility-scale project as a reference project that will also be a test bench for the solar supply chain in Libya. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Energy

High-Level Minister Roundup to Headline African Energy Week 2026

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African Energy Chamber

African Energy Week 2026 will convene ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia and Niger to spotlight oil, gas expansion, reforms and investment opportunities continentwide

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –A high-level ministerial roundup will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from 12–16 October –, convening some of the continent’s most influential energy leaders at a defining moment for Africa’s oil, gas and power sectors. As hydrocarbon expansion converges with accelerating energy transition strategies, the gathering is set to spotlight real-time project execution, regulatory reform and cross-border infrastructure that are actively reshaping Africa’s energy future.

 

Confirmed ministers to date include Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop, Zambia’s Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote and Niger’s Minster of Petroleum Hamadou Tinni.

 

Fresh from a March OPEC+ decision to lift output to 977,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Algeria enters AEW 2026 amid a $60 billion sector transformation. The country is also advancing a 500-well exploration drive and accelerating its 1.48 GW “Project of the Century” solar rollout. Gas exports to Europe remains central to the country, supported by hydrogen corridor planning and refinery expansion aimed at boosting capacity to 50 million tons by 2029.

 

Following license extension for Jubilee and TEN to 2040 and the late-2025 restart of the Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana is pushing a $3.5 billion upstream reinvestment plan while settling $500 million in gas arrears. A 1,200 MW state thermal plant and expanded gas processing at Atuabo anchor its gas-to-power shift, alongside a renewed upstream push in the Voltaian Basin.

The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital

 

Senegal’s delegation comes on the back of strong production momentum, with the Sangomar oil field delivering 36.1 million barrels in 2025, outperforming forecasts, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development ramped up to 2.9 million tons per annum following first gas. Dakar is now prioritizing domestic gas through refinery upgrades at the SAR refinery and preparations for Sangomar Phase 2 to push output beyond 100,000 bpd.

 

Zambia is redefining its power mix after drought-induced hydro shortfalls. New solar capacity – including the 200 MW Chisamba expansion and 136 MW Itimpi Phase 2 – is part of a broader 2,500 MW diversification drive. Cabinet has approved major regional fuel pipelines, while the Energy Single Licensing System fast-tracks approvals. Lusaka targets 10 GW generation by 2030, with solar and wind rising to one-third of supply.

Niger’s presence reflects its emergence as a serious oil exporter, with the fully operational 1,950-km Niger-Benin pipeline now moving up to 90,000 bpd to international markets. Alongside uranium expansion and renewed cooperation with Algeria on upstream assets, Niamey is advancing digital oversight reforms and reinforcing energy sovereignty amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

“The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Their leadership reflects a continent moving decisively from strategy to execution, creating a platform where investors can engage directly with the policymakers shaping Africa’s next wave of oil, gas and energy growth.”

 

At AEW 2026, this ministerial cohort will be well-positioned to offer investors direct insight into Africa’s most dynamic energy markets – where new barrels, new pipelines and new megawatts are reshaping regional growth trajectories in real time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Enlit Africa 2026 Programme: 280+ speakers, African nuclear 2.0, Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast

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Enlit Africa

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) has released its full 2026 conference programme, featuring 280+ speakers across 8 specialised tracks including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session covering Koeberg’s 20-year life extension and Ghana’s nuclear vendor selection process.

 

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.

Award-winning business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, kicking off three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms, and technical masterclasses.

New programme content includes:

African Nuclear 2.0 – A dedicated session examining the transition from planning to execution, featuring:

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s successful 20-year life extension (Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044/2045)

Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, evaluating US, Chinese, and Russian technology bids

West African Power Pool‘s 10 GW regional nuclear capacity target

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment readiness across African grids

Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) – A new session exploring how private investment is unlocking Africa’s transmission bottleneck, featuring global case studies from India’s PowerGrid and lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.

Generation Masterclasses – Five interactive roundtables on gas-to-power, nuclear, hydro power, clean coal, and hydrogen.

AI in Africa’s Power Grid – Examining practical deployment realities, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance applications already in operation across African utilities.

Conference sessions and technical hub sessions on the expo floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Co-located platforms:

Water Security Africa features country playbooks from Namibia (55-year potable reuse programme), Uganda (NRW reduction from 42% to 32%), Cape Town (Day Zero recovery strategies), and sector-specific stewardship sessions with Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic, and Growthpoint Properties.

Project & Investment Network (P&IN), part of the new Level 2 Executive Experience, connects project developers, investors, African utility CEOs, and DFIs through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues, and project briefings. Over the past two years, P&IN has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.

Utility CEO Forum brings together 35+ confirmed utility CEOs under Chatham House Rule for candid, off-the-record strategic discussions on unbundling, prosumer management, and financial sustainability.

Municipal Forum addresses South African municipalities’ distribution, metering, and revenue challenges, including sessions on NRW management, tariff reform, Cost of Supply studies, and electrifying informal settlements.

Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor offer free, CPD-accredited training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks, with confirmed speakers from Eskom, ENGIE SA, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), RenEnergy, and Matla Energy.

Site visits on 22 May include Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront desalination plant.

Pass options:
Free expo pass registration: https://apo-opa.co/4bl2bYu

Free expo passes provide access to 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.

Delegate Pass:
Early bird registration closes 3 April 2026. Delegate passes start at R15,100 (Silver), with P&IN Executive passes at R32,000 including access to the Bruce Whitfield breakfast, Level 2 executive lounge, and investor matchmaking.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/3NwCble

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Binance Secures Second Major Legal Victory in U.S. Court Under Anti-Terrorism Act in Two Weeks

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Binance

US Federal Court in Alabama Dismisses All Claims Against Binance in Latest Lawsuit Victory

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced today that a U.S. federal court in Alabama has dismissed all claims against the company in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This marks Binance’s second major legal victory in an  ATA matter within one week, following their victory in the Southern District of New York.

A Full and Complete Legal Victory

In a detailed 19-page ruling, the Court found the plaintiffs’ complaint to be legally and factually deficient. The court’s decision to dismiss every claim across the board represents a decisive legal victory for Binance.

Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process

The judge described the filing as a “shotgun pleading.” The complaint failed to clearly specify the claims and improperly grouped all defendants together without distinguishing individual conduct or liability. The ruling also emphasized that the plaintiffs did not meet the basic pleading standard to provide a “short and plain statement” of their claims.

Following the ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to file an amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified. However, the judge warned that failure to adequately address these issues would result in dismissal of the entire case.

Building on Momentum and Upholding Legal Integrity

“This decision reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Binance and our community from unsubstantiated and bad-faith lawsuits,” shared Eleanor Hughes, General Counsel at Binance. “Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process. Courts have now examined these claims on two separate occasions and found them to be without merit. These outcomes speak for themselves. We will not tolerate attempts to misuse the legal system to target our industry, and we remain as committed as ever to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything we do”.

This latest decision follows closely on the heels of Binance’s comprehensive victory in New York (https://apo-opa.co/46Xg0ev), where the Court similarly rejected allegations that the company assisted, participated in, or conspired with terrorists. Together, these rulings reflect Binance’s strong resolve to protect its platform and community.

Binance has consistently invested in industry-leading compliance infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and legal governance. The company will continue to vigorously defend itself against any attempts to bring unfounded claims or misrepresent its operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

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