Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in Libya’s Oil and Gas Industry: Current Status, Future Prospects, and Challenges

Abstract

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) represents a critical pathway for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in resource-dependent economies such as Libya. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of CCUS development within Libya’s oil and gas sector by integrating global technological advancements with national geological, infrastructural, and policy realities. The study examines major CO₂ capture techniques, utilization routes, including Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), chemical conversion, and synthetic fuel production, and long-term storage options in depleted fields and saline aquifers. It also evaluates ongoing national initiatives, notably the Structures A & E offshore development and the Bouri Gas Utilization Project, which signal emerging interest in CCS/CCUS integration. Key barriers, including limited infrastructure, high capital costs, insufficient regulatory frameworks, and low public awareness, are critically analyzed. Drawing on successful international case studies from Norway, the United States, and the UAE, the paper proposes actionable strategies tailored to Libya’s context. The findings highlight that CCUS could significantly reduce emissions, enhance energy security, extend the life of mature oil fields, and support economic diversification. By combining global insights with local assessments, this review outlines a practical roadmap for advancing CCUS in Libya and contributing to a sustainable, low-carbon future for its oil and gas industry.