With the Syrian government regaining control of the city of Tabqa and the Euphrates Dam, Syria has reclaimed one of its most critical infrastructure assets. Built in 1978, the dam stands as a cornerstone of the country’s energy and water systems, housing a major hydroelectric power station and one of the largest reservoirs in the region.
A Strategic National Asset
The Euphrates Dam plays a vital dual role. It generates electricity through eight turbines with a combined installed capacity of 880 megawatts, and regulates water resources for irrigation across vast agricultural areas in Raqqa, Deir Ezzor, and Hasakah governorates. The dam’s reservoir has a storage capacity of 14.1 billion cubic meters, making it central to Syria’s water security.
According to local sources, actual power generation had dropped to approximately 200 megawatts prior to liberation due to years of neglect. The nearby Tishrin Dam, Syria’s second-largest hydroelectric facility, has a generating capacity of around 630 megawatts, underscoring the strategic importance of the Euphrates basin in the national energy mix.
Years of Deprivation and Weaponization of Services
Since 2017, the Euphrates Dam had been under the control of the SDF and PKK-affiliated militias, during which millions of Syrians were deprived of reliable electricity and water. These essential services were reportedly used as political bargaining tools, with deliberate and selective rationing that led to severe consequences.
Agricultural lands dried up, irrigation networks deteriorated, living conditions worsened, and food security was increasingly threatened. Entire communities suffered from prolonged shortages that directly affected livelihoods and regional stability.
A Stark Decline in Hydroelectric Production
The deterioration is evident in national production figures. In 2005, Syria’s hydroelectric output reached approximately 4.33 billion kilowatt-hours (4,330,000 MWh). By 2022–2023, production had plunged to about 0.75 billion kilowatt-hours (750,000 Mwh). This represents an annual loss of roughly 3.58 million MWh, an alarming decline of nearly 83%, reflecting the devastating impact of conflict and mismanagement on strategic infrastructure.
Following the dam’s liberation, the Syrian Ministry of Energy announced immediate emergency measures to restore full national operation. Specialized technical teams have begun assessments and repairs, facing significant challenges after years of neglect.
Key tasks include comprehensive maintenance of damaged turbines, rehabilitation of electrical and mechanical systems, and restoring operational safety standards to ensure sustainable power generation and water management.
Reviving the Heart of the Syrian Economy
The liberation of the Euphrates Dam revives hope for restoring its historic role as a backbone of Syria’s economy. Stable water regulation is essential for agricultural recovery and food security, while renewed electricity generation supports industry, public services, and household needs.
As work progresses, the dam’s return to full operation is expected to ease daily hardships for citizens, support regional recovery, and contribute decisively to restoring stability and long-term development across Syria.
