A Study of Renewable Energy Perceptions among Libyan Engineers

Authors

  • Yousef M Akashaa Libyan Center for Solar Energy Research and Studies, Tripoli
  • Mnel A H Abdelgnei Omar Al-Mukhtar University image/svg+xml

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63359/s8n7pn63

Keywords:

Renewable Energy, Libya, Engineers Perceptions, Sustainable Energy

Abstract

This study examines engineers’ perspectives on renewable energy sources (RES), climate-related concerns, and environmental engagement across Libya, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A cross-sectional survey of 194 respondents assessed trust in decision-making actors, perceived substitution potential of RES for fossil fuels, cost–benefit orientations, and technology acceptability, alongside outcomes including information needs about RES, willingness to contribute financially, willingness to volunteer time for local environmental projects, and transport mode. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models were applied. Respondents reported high trust in scientists and environmental organizations, strong substitution beliefs for wind and solar, and higher acceptability for these technologies compared to others. Most participants expressed a need for more information about RES (71.65%). Financial contribution willingness was reported by 41.75%, while 49.48% were willing to volunteer time. A cost–benefit orientation favoring environmental quality was positively associated with volunteering (odds ratio 2.69, p = 0.019), whereas higher acceptability was inversely related to the need for more information. Transport was dominated by private car use (74.23%), reflecting structural constraints. Limitations include purposive sampling, inter-construct collinearity, and some missing data. The findings highlight the importance of targeted information, practical exposure to RES, financial support mechanisms, and improved infrastructure for low-carbon mobility.

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Almaktar, M., & Shaaban, M. (2021). Prospects of renewable energy as a non-rivalry energy alternative in Libya. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 143, 110852.

Asheibe, A., & Khalil, A. (2013). The renewable energy in Libya: Present difficulties and remedies.

Belgasim, B., & Aldali, Y. (2018). Review on solar thrmal electricity in Libya. Solar Energy and Sustainable Development Journal, 7(SI), 48-60.

Bonar, P. A. J., Bryden, I. G., & Borthwick, A. G. L. (2015). Social and ecological impacts of marine energy development. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 47, 486-495.

Chandrasekar, B., & Kandpal, T. C. (2007). An opinion survey based assessment of renewable energy technology development in India. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 11(4), 688-701.

Dalton, G. J., Lockington, D. A., & Baldock, T. E. (2008). A survey of tourist attitudes to renewable energy supply in Australian hotel accommodation. Renewable energy, 33(10), 2174-2185.

Demirbas, M. F., Balat, M., & Balat, H. (2009). Potential contribution of biomass to the sustainable energy development. Energy Conversion and Management, 50(7), 1746-1760.

Destek, M. A., & Sinha, A. (2020). Renewable, non-renewable energy consumption, economic growth, trade openness and ecological footprint: Evidence from organisation for economic Co-operation and development countries. Journal of cleaner production, 242, 118537.

Elbaz, A., & Elfaqih, A. K. (2023). Impact of Dust Accumulation on Photovoltaic System Performance in a Coast Environment-Case Study in Libya.

Elfaqih, A. K. H. (2016). Design of photovoltaic system powered a small-scale SWRO desalination plant. Solar Energy and Sustainable Development Journal, 5(1), 12-21.

Evans, A., Strezov, V., & Evans, T. J. (2009). Assessment of sustainability indicators for renewable energy technologies. Renewable and sustainable energy reviews, 13(5), 1082-1088.

Kabir, E., Kumar, P., Kumar, S., Adelodun, A. A., & Kim, K.-H. (2018). Solar energy: Potential and future prospects. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 82, 894-900.

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Kasim, A. (2004). Socio-environmentally responsible hotel business: Do tourists to Penang Island, Malaysia care? Journal of hospitality & leisure marketing, 11(4), 5-28.

Kassem, Y., Çamur, H., & Aateg, R. A. F. (2020). Exploring solar and wind energy as a power generation source for solving the electricity crisis in Libya. Energies, 13(14), 3708.

Kershman, S. A. (2001). 25 years of experience in operating thermal desalination plants. Desalination, 136(1-3), 141-145.

Maradin, D. (2021). Advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy sources utilization. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy.

McGilton, B., Crozier, R., McDonald, A., & Mueller, M. (2018). Review of magnetic gear technologies and their applications in marine energy. IET Renewable Power Generation, 12(2), 174-181.

Owusu, P. A., & Asumadu-Sarkodie, S. (2016). A review of renewable energy sources, sustainability issues and climate change mitigation. Cogent Engineering, 3(1), 1167990.

Ozil, E., Ugursal, V. I., Akbulut, U., & Ozpinar, A. (2008). Renewable energy and environmental awareness and opinions: A survey of university students in Canada, Romania, and Turkey. International Journal of Green Energy, 5(3), 174-188.

Panwar, N. L., Kaushik, S. C., & Kothari, S. (2011). Role of renewable energy sources in environmental protection: A review. Renewable and sustainable energy reviews, 15(3), 1513-1524.

Paravantis, J. A., Stigka, E. K., & Mihalakakou, G. K. (2014). An analysis of public attitudes towards renewable energy in Western Greece.

Perrone, D., & Hornberger, G. M. (2014). Water, food, and energy security: scrambling for resources or solutions? Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water, 1(1), 49-68.

Rohit, R. V., Kiplangat, D. C., Veena, R., Jose, R., Pradeepkumar, A. P., & Kumar, K. S. (2023). Tracing the evolution and charting the future of geothermal energy research and development. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 184, 113531.

Saraswat, S. K., & Digalwar, A. K. (2021). Empirical investigation and validation of sustainability indicators for the assessment of energy sources in India. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 145, 111156.

Shi, B., Wang, Q., Su, H., Li, J., Xie, B., Wang, P., . . . Zhou, X. (2023a). Progress in recent research on the design and use of triboelectric nanogenerators for harvesting wind energy. Nano Energy, 108789.

Shi, B., Wang, Q., Su, H., Li, J., Xie, B., Wang, P., . . . Zhou, X. (2023b). Progress in recent research on the design and use of triboelectric nanogenerators for harvesting wind energy. Nano Energy, 116, 108789.

Taveira-Pinto, F., Rosa-Santos, P., & Fazeres-Ferradosa, T. (2020). Marine renewable energy (Vol. 150, pp. 1160-1164): Elsevier.

Viebahn, P., Lechon, Y., & Trieb, F. (2011). The potential role of concentrated solar power (CSP) in Africa and Europe—A dynamic assessment of technology development, cost development and life cycle inventories until 2050. Energy Policy, 39(8), 4420-4430.

Wang, J.-J., Jing, Y.-Y., Zhang, C.-F., & Zhao, J.-H. (2009). Review on multi-criteria decision analysis aid in sustainable energy decision-making. Renewable and sustainable energy reviews, 13(9), 2263-2278.

Worku, A. K., Ayele, D. W., Deepak, D. B., Gebreyohannes, A. Y., Agegnehu, S. D., & Kolhe, M. L. (2024a). Recent Advances and Challenges of Hydrogen Production Technologies via Renewable Energy Sources. Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research, 2300273.

Worku, A. K., Ayele, D. W., Deepak, D. B., Gebreyohannes, A. Y., Agegnehu, S. D., & Kolhe, M. L. (2024b). Recent advances and challenges of hydrogen production technologies via renewable energy sources. Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research, 5(5), 2300273..

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Published

31-08-2026

How to Cite

A Study of Renewable Energy Perceptions among Libyan Engineers. (2026). Libyan Journal of Ecological & Environmental Sciences and Technology, 8(2), 93-102. https://doi.org/10.63359/s8n7pn63