Damascus: Syrian officials and economic experts affirmed that the State of Qatar's support for the energy sector in Syria eases the financial burden on the Syrian government and improves electricity supply. This positively impacts industrial and commercial activity in the country, supports the stability of the power grid, and helps reduce reliance on private generators.
According to Qatar News Agency, Senior Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Economy and Industry in Syria, Dr. Osama al-Kadi, highlighted the significance of Azeri gas, which will be delivered via the Turkish city of Kilis. This initiative is expected to boost electricity production by around 1,000 megawatts, addressing the current needs of Syria's electricity and water sectors.
In an exclusive statement to QNA, Dr. al-Kadi explained that this support will contribute to lowering the cost of electricity for both industrialists and households, thereby increasing the productive capacity of Syria's industrial and agricultural sectors. He added that the number of hours of electricity supply is expected to increase by four to five hours per day, alleviating the suffering of citizens.
Al-Kadi praised Qatar's continued support, noting previous contributions that included providing gas to generate 400 megawatts of power. He also highlighted Saudi Arabia's role in signing an agreement with Syria's Ministry of Energy to ease citizens' hardships and interconnect the electricity grids of the two countries. Such regional cooperation is seen as a means to strengthen the Syrian economy, support investment, and create a favorable environment for Syrian, Arab, and international companies to enter the Syrian market.
Director General of Syria's Public Electricity Transmission and Distribution Corporation, Eng. Khaled Abu Di, stated to QNA that the technical challenges of receiving and distributing an additional 800 megawatts stem from the capacity of power generation plants and the infrastructure of transmission and distribution networks. He noted that the primary challenge is ensuring adequate gas pressure to transport it from the north to the highly efficient power plants in central and southern Syria, which currently generate only about 1,000 megawatts using domestic gas.
Abu Di explained that the first phase of the project relied on supplying gas through Jordan to power plants in the south, which improved electricity supply and reduced power rationing. The second phase depends on gas being pumped through Turkiye into the Syrian gas network, initially received by the Aleppo power plant, which currently operates on fuel oil.
Economic researcher at Jusoor for Studies, Dr. Hassan Ghara, stated that Qatar's support of USD 760 million for Syria's electricity sector is a significant strategic step in alleviating the financial burden on the Syrian government, amid a power deficit reaching 80% of actual needs. He noted that Syria requires an estimated USD 40 billion to fully rebuild its electricity sector.
The State of Qatar recently announced the launch of the second phase of its support for the electricity sector in Syria, providing 800 megawatts in collaboration between the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the Syrian Ministry of Energy. Supplies began on Aug. 2, passing through Azerbaijan and Turkiye to the Aleppo power plant, from where electricity will be distributed across Syrian regions. This support will contribute to increasing electricity supply to 5 hours per day, representing a 40% daily improvement for more than 5 million subscribers in Syria.