Libya is accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digital communications infrastructure as the National Oil Corporation (NOC) seeks to increase crude oil production towards two million barrels per day (bpd).

The strategy gained momentum in 2026 with the launch of the Ministry of Oil and Gas’ New Energy Tech initiative, which aims to connect operational challenges in the oil and gas sector with local engineers, AI specialists, software developers, robotics teams, researchers and startups developing technology solutions.

The initiative is designed to move digitalisation beyond technology procurement by encouraging the development of solutions tailored to Libya’s operating conditions.

Energy companies identify specific challenges, participants develop prototypes, and successful technologies can be linked with operators for deployment.

The programme targets improvements in operational efficiency, cost management, emissions reduction and decision-making, while strengthening domestic technical capabilities.

University students and academics are also involved alongside experienced industry professionals, helping build a pipeline of local talent for the energy sector.

AI moves into oilfield operations

Libya’s digital transformation is already producing results at field level.

In March 2026, NOC subsidiary Sirte Oil Company completed the country’s first fully autonomous AI-powered geosteering operation at the Al-Khair field using SLB technology.

The system autonomously guided an approximately 1,800-foot horizontal section within the reservoir, doubling the drilling penetration rate and delivering production of 1,060 bpd.

The operation demonstrates how AI can be applied directly to drilling and reservoir management, potentially improving precision, operational performance and resource recovery.

Beyond drilling, Libya’s digitalisation strategy encompasses field monitoring, communications networks and remote operations.

Automated systems can transmit production and equipment data from remote wells to centralised facilities, enabling operators to assess performance and respond to operational changes with less reliance on physical field visits.

Connectivity supports digital transformation

Communications infrastructure is another key component of the strategy.

In December 2025, Aljeel Aljadeed Technology and Hatif Libya launched an Oil Fields Connectivity Project covering more than 200 vital sites, including over 80 oilfields and ports.

The network offers speeds of up to 100 GB per second, expandable to 400 GB per second, and incorporates 5G-ready technology.

The project builds on agreements signed by the NOC in September 2024 with Al-Madar, Libyana and Hatif Libya under the “Toward Smart Oil Cities” initiative.

The agreements aim to modernise telecommunications and digital infrastructure in oil-producing areas, supporting real-time data analysis, resource management and more efficient operations.

Digitalisation supports production growth

Digital technologies are becoming increasingly important as Libya expands exploration, redevelops existing fields and attracts upstream investment.

Connected data systems, automated drilling and remote monitoring could improve visibility across geographically dispersed assets and help operators manage increasingly complex operations.

AI-assisted drilling, connected oilfields and locally developed technologies are therefore becoming integral to Libya’s broader production strategy, supporting efforts to improve existing assets while preparing for future upstream development.

By combining digital infrastructure with domestic innovation, Libya aims to strengthen operational performance and build the technological capabilities needed to support its ambition of reaching two million bpd in crude production. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service