Libya restarts gas pipeline after 16-year suspension

Libya’s state-owned energy utility National Oil Corporation (NOC) has launched a key gas pipeline project linking the Intisar field to the Brega gas distribution system, reviving infrastructure that had been idle for more than 16 years, Libya24 reported on April 24, citing a statement. 

The project was implemented by specialised teams from Sirte Oil Company and Zueitina Oil Company under the supervision of the NOC’s maintenance department. The restart of the pipeline is part of Libya’s efforts to optimise existing infrastructure and increase gas utilisation.

In a statement, the NOC said the 42-inch pipeline connecting the Intisar A/103 field to the 36B line has entered the trial operation phase after national technical teams completed the connection works.

The project is expected to recover around 150mn cubic feet of gas per day that was previously lost through flaring, improving efficiency and reducing waste in Libya’s gas sector. The NOC described the pipeline as a strategic development that will enhance the performance of the gas transport network serving the Intisar A/103, Erada and Sahel fields.

It will also eliminate back-pressure issues that had previously disrupted production and led to forced shutdowns at some fields, improving overall operational stability.

The NOC aims to reach a production level of 10bn cubic metres per year (1 bcfd) by 2030. A significant milestone is set for H2 2026, when Libya plans to begin its first shale gas drilling operations to tap into unconventional reserves estimated at 80 trillion cubic feet.