Libya’s Petroleum Research Center launches NOVA conference in Benghazi

Libya’s Petroleum Research Center has launched the first NOVA Conference and Exhibition for Oct. 5-7, 2026, in Benghazi, with support from the National Oil Corporation and AGOCO. The event is meant to draw investors, oil companies and researchers to highlight upstream opportunities, digital tools and Libya’s push to expand oil and gas output.

Why it matters: - NOVA is designed to position Benghazi as a regional meeting point for oil-sector investment, technical exchange and partnership-building. - The conference aligns with Libya’s push to expand exploration, raise output and attract higher-quality investment into the energy sector. - The event also ties into Libya’s broader goal of increasing crude oil production capacity to two million barrels per day between 2028 and 2030.

What happened: - The Petroleum Research Center announced the first edition of the NOVA Conference and Exhibition. - The event will take place from 5 to 7 October 2026 in Benghazi, Libya. - The National Oil Corporation is patroning the event, and Arabian Gulf Oil Company is participating as strategic sponsor. - The conference is being presented as an international platform for senior officials, decision-makers, global companies, investors, researchers, academic institutions and energy experts.

The details: - NOVA focuses on the upstream sector, including hydrocarbon exploration and faster field development. - The conference will highlight digital transformation and artificial intelligence as tools for improving operational efficiency, innovation and decision-making. - The event is meant to strengthen cooperation between oil companies and academic and research institutions. - The conference aims to support knowledge transfer, develop national expertise and showcase investment opportunities across Libya’s energy sector. - Participants will include government bodies, national and international oil companies, technology providers, research institutions and investors. - Discussions will center on the main challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector. - The exhibition running alongside the conference will feature major global energy companies. - Exhibitors will present technologies, solutions and services across exploration and production, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, automation, engineering and oilfield services. - The exhibition is intended to create direct access to government officials, oil-company leaders, investors and project developers. - The scientific program will include studies prepared by the Petroleum Research Center on the sector’s near- and long-term development prospects. - Registration for participants and sponsors will open in the coming period. - The scientific program, agenda, exhibition details and partnership and sponsorship opportunities will be published through NOVA’s official channels. - The conference's social media channels and Facebook page were listed in the announcement.

Between the lines: - NOVA is being framed as more specialized than a broad energy trade show, with a clear emphasis on upstream oil and gas and policy-level engagement. - The Petroleum Research Center is also using the event to reinforce its role as a national expertise hub and scientific reference point. - The conference’s emphasis on digital tools and AI suggests an effort to link Libya’s oil ambitions with operational modernization, not just new investment.

What's next: - Organizers will open registration in the coming period. - NOVA will release its scientific program, agenda and exhibition information ahead of the October event. - Organizers expect the conference to become a recurring international platform for specialized energy events in Libya. - The Petroleum Research Center is pitching NOVA as a step toward stronger global visibility for Libya’s energy sector and its investment prospects.