Launched on March 3, 2025, the bid round includes 22 exploration areas, covering major oil and gas basins which the Libyan player says have already demonstrated strong petroleum system potential and hold “vast untapped resources.” The previous licensing round was launched in 2007.   

The 11 offshore blocks covering 128,714 square kilometers are situated across three areas. One block is located in the Sabratha Basin, three in the Sirte Basin, and seven in the area offshore the Cyrenaica platform. According to NOC, the offshore area holds seven discoveries and 32 wells.   

Source: National Oil Corporation (NOC)

As explained by NOC, the acreages are near existing infrastructure, enabling cost-effective exploration, development, and hydrocarbon production for export to global markets. The state player’s vision is to produce 2-3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (MMbbls/d) through strategic partnerships with European and other international players under a production sharing agreement (PSA) model.   

This follows the announcement by the African Energy Chamber that Eni’s Sirte Basin program in Libya is one the drilling campaigns to watch out for in 2025. The Italian player has four exploration wells in its 2025 pipeline, which entails an offshore drilling campaign in the Sirte Basin by year-end.   

Enhanced and Expanded News Article:
Libya Opens Lucrative 2025 Oil and Gas Bid Round, Aiming for Major Production Surge

Tripoli, Libya – On March 3, 2025, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya officially launched a highly anticipated licensing round, offering 22 exploration areas to international energy companies. This initiative, the first of its kind since 2007, aims to unlock Libya’s vast untapped hydrocarbon resources and significantly boost national oil and gas production.   

The bid round encompasses both onshore and offshore blocks, highlighting the country's diverse geological potential. The NOC emphasizes that these areas, situated within major Libyan oil and gas basins, have demonstrated robust petroleum system potential, suggesting substantial recoverable reserves.   

Key Highlights of the Bid Round:

Extensive Exploration Areas: The round includes 22 blocks, covering a significant portion of Libya's proven and potential oil and gas regions.   

Offshore Opportunities: 11 offshore blocks, totaling 128,714 square kilometers, are available. These are strategically located in the Sabratha Basin (1 block), the Sirte Basin (3 blocks), and offshore the Cyrenaica platform (7 blocks). The offshore area has a proven track record, with seven discoveries and 32 drilled wells.   

Strategic Locations: The offered acreages are positioned near existing infrastructure, facilitating cost-effective exploration, development, and subsequent production for global export. This proximity minimizes logistical challenges and reduces project timelines.   

Production Targets: The NOC has set ambitious production targets, aiming to achieve 2-3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (MMbbls/d) through strategic partnerships with international oil companies (IOCs).
Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs): The licensing round will utilize a PSA model, fostering collaborative ventures between the NOC and international partners, ensuring mutual benefits and shared risks.   

Eni's Sirte Basin Focus: Adding to the momentum, Eni's planned drilling campaign in the Sirte Basin has been identified by the African Energy Chamber as a key project for 2025. Eni's pipeline includes four exploration wells, with a significant offshore drilling campaign expected by year-end, signaling renewed international interest.
Geopolitical Context: This bidding round occurs within a context of relative political stability in Libya, which is crucial for attracting foreign investment. The NOC is actively working to ensure a transparent and competitive bidding process.   

Focus on European Partners: The NOC is actively seeking partnerships with European companies, given their proximity and existing relationships, to secure energy supply for the european market.   

Environmental Concerns: In a world that is becoming more and more environmentally conscious, the NOC has stated that all drilling and production will follow international environmental standards.

The 2025 bid round is a critical step in Libya’s efforts to revitalize its energy sector and reclaim its position as a major oil and gas producer. The success of this round will have significant implications for Libya’s economic future and global energy markets. 

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