Greece’s Metka has been awarded a $400m contract to build a 650MW power plant and associated infrastructure in Libya.

The Greek firm will provide engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for a 650MW dual-fuel power plant in Tobruk, eastern Libya. The Greek contractor will install GE turbines in the planned open-cycle plant, and will also construct a 220/66kV substation.

The client for the project is the General Electricity Company of Libya (Gecol).

The plant will be developed as a fast-track project, with first power planned for nine months after the start of construction.

Many areas in Libya are in urgent need for power following the revolution and subsequent civil war in 2011. Significant power outages have since occurred throughout the country following the targeting of electricity and fuel infrastructure by pro-regime and opposition forces. In 2016, total operational capacity was estimated to be 4,600MW, significantly lower than the 6,000MW demand recorded during peak periods.