In a significant step to strengthen national energy security, the Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) announced the launch of drilling operations for Syria’s first exploratory natural gas well. The project is located in the Tawani area of rural Damascus and represents a pivotal effort to expand domestic energy production and reduce reliance on imports amid the country’s ongoing energy challenges. This initiative forms a core component of state-led plans to utilize local resources meeting rising electricity and heating demands and to support broader economic recovery efforts.
National Expertise and Self-Reliance
SPC Director General Engineer Yusuf Qablawi confirmed drilling operations are being carried out using a fully rehabilitated national drilling rig that had been out of service for an extended period. He emphasized that the project is being implemented entirely by Syrian technical staff and engineers.
Qablawi noted this achievement reflects the resilience and growing technical capacity of Syria’s energy sector to overcome years of operational disruption and logistical constraints, reinforcing the principle of national self-reliance in strategic sectors.
Project Scope and Immediate Goals
The exploratory well is designed to reach a depth of approximately 4,000 meters to access potential gas-bearing geological formations. According to SPC’s projected timeline, the well is expected to be connected to the production network within five months.
If commercial quantities of gas are confirmed, production will be directed to processing facilities before being injected into the national gas network. Priority will be given to residential consumption and to supplying power generation stations, contributing to the alleviation of chronic electricity shortages.
Future Prospects and Expansion Plans
Preliminary geological studies have identified promising indicators of natural gas reserves in the Tawani area, raising optimism about the project’s potential success. Building on these indicators, SPC has outlined plans to expand its exploratory activities.
Qablawi revealed that four additional exploratory wells are scheduled to be drilled during the first quarter of next year. This accelerated drilling campaign aims to confirm reserve volumes, increase daily gas production, and establish a more stable domestic energy supply in the medium term.
The project underscores Syria’s broader strategy to revitalize its energy sector, enhance energy security, and support sustainable development through the efficient use of national resources.
