This interview covers METLEN's expansion plans in the MENA region, particularly in Libya, their contributions to Libya's energy transition through green metallurgy projects, future investment and development plans aligned with Libya's national energy strategy, and the partnerships and collaborations they aim to establish during the 5th Libya Energy Week.
1- METLEN has a significant global footprint with operations in Greece and abroad. How is the company planning to expand its presence in the MENA region, particularly in Libya, and what opportunities do you see in this market?
Indeed, METLEN Energy & Metals (formerly MYTILINEOS Energy & Metals) is an international industrial and energy company operating in two business sectors, Energy and Metallurgy. METLEN is strategically positioned at the forefront of the energy transition and has established itself as a benchmark in competitive green metallurgy at European and global level. METLEN operates in 40 countries across all 5 continents and has a consolidated turnover and EBITDA of €5.492 billion and €1.014 billion, respectively.
METLEN is established in Libya since 2017 and has offices in Tripoli, Benghazi and Tobruk. The project that is currently under execution is an Open Cycle Power Plant of 740 MW in Tobruk ($400m), which consists of 4 gas turbines in total. Presently, we are under final commissioning and the Plant is at the stage of handing over to the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL).
Following the well-known needs for reconstruction of the country, METLEN is in a privileged position to support with a big range of Energy (Gas fired power plants, Hybrid solutions, Solar parks, Wind and Battery storage), Grid (Transmission lines, HVDC Links, Substations) and Infrastructure projects.
In MENA region, METLEN has also been active in Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan, Iraq and UAE.
2- Given METLEN' s leadership in the energy transition, how do you see your expertise and projects contributing to Libya's own energy transition goals? What specific renewable energy or green metallurgy projects might be relevant for Libya?
The green transition is at the core of METLEN’ s activities and goals, as our projects are developed according to our overall sustainable strategy. METLEN possesses the expertise, resources, and technical knowledge to undertake a wide range of innovative sustainable projects. These include renewable energy sources, hybrid and off-grid energy systems, transmission grids and interconnection projects, as well as waste-to-energy solutions.
METLEN is one of the leading players of solar energy & energy storage projects in the world. Globally, we have a portfolio of more than 10.5 GW under development in Europe, Latin America, North America and Australia.
Nonetheless, it is worth mentioning that regarding RES an MoU has already been signed between METLEN and the Renewables Energy Authority of Libya (REAoL) for cooperation in the sector.
3- Can you share any upcoming investment or development plans that METLEN has in Libya? How do these plans align with Libya's national energy strategy and the goals of the Libya National Oil Corporation?
METLEN remains a steadfast and ongoing supporter of Libya's efforts to implement a new, modern, and organized energy strategy that is sustainable and eco-friendly. Given that, METLEN could consider investing in RES, provided that the appropriate legal and regulatory framework is in place.
Furthermore, METLEN maintains consistent communication with the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and affiliated oil companies, in order to provide a variety of comprehensive solutions for power generation as well as the successful treatment of liquid & solid waste in oil fields where the soil has been contaminated over the years.
4- The 5th Libya Energy Week presents a great opportunity for networking. What types of partnerships and collaborations are you looking to forge during the event, and how do you plan to engage with potential partners and stakeholders?
The Libya Energy Week is unquestionably an event that provides excellent opportunities for networking and dialogue with international and local stakeholders about the energy sector and the challenges of the energy transition.
METLEN views Libya as a key market for pioneering and innovative projects. Our company is well-positioned to offer a variety of services and proceed with projects that could significantly boost the Libyan economy and foster growth for the nation and its people.
Libya is moving into a period of stability and recovery and METLEN is proud to be an integral part of this transition.
5- How can METLEN contribute to the development and modernization of Libya's energy infrastructure? Are there any specific projects or collaborations you are considering to enhance Libya's energy capabilities?
METLEN stands firmly by the needs of Libya, which in recent years has grappled with substantial power supply issues, characterized by prolonged blackouts that pose a significant hindrance to the nation's economic advancement, energy security, and the well-being of its people. To start with, the completion of the power plant in Tobruk is going to strengthen the country's energy system and security.
6- What is METLEN's long-term vision for its operations in Libya, and how do you see your role evolving in the Libyan energy landscape over the next decade?
METLEN aims to play a crucial role in stabilizing Libya's electricity supply sector, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the daily lives of its citizens by providing energy security and stability. Greece, as an EU member, has been actively participating in Libya's reconstruction, with METLEN contributing essential expertise in energy infrastructure
