Libya’s Upstream Reopening Draws State Energy Heavyweights to LEES 2026
Libya’s push to revive its upstream oil and gas sector is gaining traction, with senior executives from leading state-backed energy companies confirming participation in the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026, a signal of renewed investor confidence in one of North Africa’s most strategic hydrocarbon markets.
Turkey’s TPAO, Hungary’s MOL Plc. and Poland’s ORLEN Group will be represented at senior level at the summit, scheduled for January 24–26, 2026, in Tripoli. Their presence underscores the growing role of nationally anchored energy companies as Libya advances licensing, exploration and production activity after years of disruption.
themed “Infrastructure & Investment Driving Energy Growth”, the fourth edition of LEES comes at a critical moment for Libya’s energy sector. The summit is officially endorsed by the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Oil and Gas and the National Oil Corporation (NOC), reflecting strong political backing for upstream reforms and renewed international engagement.
Turkey’s national oil company TPAO has emerged as one of the most active state-backed players re-entering Libya’s upstream sector. In June 2025, the company signed an offshore exploration memorandum of understanding with the NOC, covering geological and geophysical studies across four offshore areas, including a 10,000-kilometre 2D seismic survey. Having also qualified as an operator in Libya’s 2025 bid round, TPAO has indicated readiness to deploy both capital and technical expertise as the country reopens to international partnerships. TPAO Chief Executive Officer Ahmet Türkoğlu is expected to address LEES 2026.
Poland’s ORLEN Group is also strengthening its Libyan footprint as operating conditions improve. Through PGNiG Upstream North Africa, the company resumed preparations for active exploration in 2025 following the lifting of force majeure. ORLEN currently operates the 5,500 square-kilometre EPL 113 concession in the Murzuq Basin and has been engaging with the NOC and Zallaf Oil and Gas on production forecasts at the Al-Wafa field, technical cooperation and gas infrastructure development. With Libya targeting higher production levels, ORLEN is assessing additional upstream opportunities. Group CEO Ireneusz Fąfara will speak at the summit.
Hungary’s MOL Plc. joins LEES 2026 after qualifying as an operator in Libya’s first international licensing round in nearly two decades. The development aligns with MOL’s strategy of expanding its international upstream portfolio and diversifying crude supply sources, positioning Libya as a potential cornerstone market for long-term growth. The company will be represented by Group Exploration and Production Executive Vice President Zsombor Marton.
According to James Chester, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Capital & Power, the confirmed participation of TPAO, MOL and ORLEN reflects a broader shift in market sentiment. “The participation of national energy champions underscores the renewed confidence state-backed operators are placing in Libya’s upstream potential,” he said. “Their long-term outlook, institutional backing and operational capabilities will be critical to driving sustainable investment and production growth.”
As Libya refines its licensing strategy and works to lift operational constraints across key basins, LEES 2026 is shaping up as a pivotal platform for dialogue and deal-making. For investors and operators alike, the summit offers a timely opportunity to engage with policymakers, national institutions and international partners as Libya repositions itself on the global energy map.
