Solar Energy and Architecture in Libya: A Critical Analysis of the Gap Between Natural Potential and Implementation in Light of Global Sustainable Development Discourse

Abstract

This study examines the role of solar energy in architecture within the context of global sustainable development discourse, with a specific focus on Libya as a case of structural mismatch between high natural potential and low implementation. Despite possessing one of the highest solar irradiation levels in the Mediterranean region, Libya continues to rely almost entirely on fossil fuels for electricity generation, with minimal integration of solar technologies in the built environment. The research adopts a critical analytical methodology based on the review of international reports and academic literature related to renewable energy, building sector emissions, and energy policy frameworks. Through a qualitative assessment of the Libyan context, the study identifies key non-technical barriers that hinder the integration of solar energy in architecture, including the absence of regulatory frameworks, weak institutional coordination between energy and urban planning sectors, and limited incorporation of energy design principles within architectural education and practice. The findings reveal that the gap between potential and implementation is primarily structural rather than technological, rooted in governance inefficiencies and fragmented planning approaches. Comparative insights from regional experiences, particularly Morocco and Tunisia, demonstrate that policy continuity, regulatory support, and incentive mechanisms are decisive factors in enabling the gradual integration of solar energy into buildings. The study concludes that integrating solar energy into Libyan architecture should not be approached as a standalone technical solution, but as part of a broader redefinition of architecture’s role within national energy transition strategies. It highlights the need for policy reform, educational transformation, and the repositioning of architects as active contributors to sustainable energy systems.