Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has announced the successful restart of several key industrial facilities operated by Sirte Oil Company in Brega, including a natural gas processing unit, two methanol plants, and the Brega oil refinery, marking an important step toward strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure and industrial production.
The developments were announced by H.E. Eng. Masoud Suleman, Chairman of Libya’s National Oil Corporation, as part of activities commemorating the 65th anniversary of Libya’s first crude oil export from the port of Brega in 1961.
Natural Gas Processing Unit Resumes Operations
Sirte Oil Company has successfully restarted the natural gas processing unit at its Brega facility following several years of inactivity.
The restored unit is expected to redirect approximately 60 million cubic feet of natural gas into the gas supply network instead of allowing it to be flared, supporting more efficient resource utilization and reducing the environmental impact of oil and gas operations.
The development represents an important step in the NOC’s efforts to recover previously wasted gas resources, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen domestic natural gas supplies.
Two Methanol Plants Return to Operation
The NOC also announced the completion of work to restore operations at Sirte Oil Company’s two methanol plants.
The restart follows maintenance activities and the replacement of the control system at the second methanol plant, aimed at improving operational reliability and supporting the continued production of methanol.
The return of both facilities represents progress in restoring Libya’s petrochemical production capabilities and maximizing the economic value of its natural gas resources.
Brega Refinery Restarts Following Major Rehabilitation
In a further development, the NOC inaugurated the restart of the Brega oil refinery, operated by Sirte Oil Company, following an extended shutdown.
The refinery underwent a major rehabilitation program that included the replacement of its catalyst, modernization of control systems, and construction of a new, modern control room.
These upgrades are intended to enhance operational performance, improve reliability, and support the refinery’s return to production.
Strengthening Libya’s Energy Sector
The simultaneous restoration of the gas processing unit, methanol plants, and Brega refinery highlights ongoing efforts to rehabilitate Libya’s energy infrastructure and bring previously inactive industrial assets back into operation.
Together, these developments are expected to support more efficient natural gas utilization, strengthen domestic refining and petrochemical capabilities, and contribute to the country’s broader energy sector recovery.
The announcements also underscore the strategic importance of Brega as one of Libya’s longstanding oil and gas industrial centers, 65 years after the country began exporting crude oil from its port.
