Libya’s Oil Industry Is Turning to AI to Chase 2 Million Bpd
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The push reached a major technology milestone in March, when Sirte Oil Company completed an AI-directed drilling operation at the Al-Khair oil field using SLB technology to autonomously steer a horizontal well section. The development comes as Libya prepares for a new phase of upstream investment, with digital technologies increasingly becoming part of how operators plan, execute and optimize field development. These priorities will feature at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2027, taking place in Tripoli from January 23–25.
From AI Drilling to Digital Fields
The NOC’s technology drive extends beyond drilling, with field operators deploying automated monitoring systems that transmit production and equipment data from remote wells to centralized surveillance facilities. These systems can improve visibility across operations while supporting applications including leak detection and gas-lift optimization.
The NOC is also working with international technology and project-management companies to strengthen cloud infrastructure, digital workflows, cybersecurity and workforce capabilities. In June, the Ministry of Oil and Gas launched its “New Energy Tech” initiative, bringing together Libyan technology developers, robotics teams and university laboratories with state energy companies to accelerate the deployment of locally developed solutions.
The modernization effort also encompasses smart oil-city infrastructure, satellite and terrestrial communications, and integrated data systems connecting field operations, logistics and inventories. The NOC is digitizing internal project and resource-management processes as it works to strengthen oversight and execution across its expanding investment program.
Building the Digital Backbone for Growth
Libya’s technology agenda is increasingly tied to its upstream expansion. As new operators and service companies enter the market and existing fields undergo redevelopment, modern data, automation and communications systems will become increasingly important to managing more complex operations and improving field performance.
Workforce development is another component of the transition. Through the Energy JEEL initiative, more than 900 young Libyans have been trained to support the country’s next phase of energy development, helping build the technical capabilities needed to operate an increasingly digital energy sector.
At LEES 2027, digital innovation will sit alongside licensing, exploration, production growth and infrastructure across the summit’s program. The event will bring Libya’s energy stakeholders together with international technology and services companies to examine how AI, automation and digital systems can improve performance across the value chain and support the country’s drive for higher production.