Syrian Energy Minister Muhammad al-Bashir took part in the Syrian-German Forum in Berlin on Monday during President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s first official visit to Germany. Officials there outlined new major agreements aimed at rebuilding Syria’s energy sector.
Speaking at the forum, Bashir said the sector had suffered extensive destruction over the past years, even as much of the world accelerated its transition toward renewable energy. He said the Syrian government now views such energy investment as one of the country’s most promising areas and has already launched strategic projects since last year.
The minister said the government has signed several large-scale agreements, including one to generate 5,000 megawatts of electricity, alongside solar and wind energy projects with a combined capacity of nearly 4,700 megawatts. German firms, he said, are expected to play a significant role in these initiatives.
Siemens Expands Role in National Grid
A major focus of the agreements involves Siemens, which will help expand Syria’s electricity generation and grid management systems. Bashir said about 2,000 megawatts will come from Siemens-manufactured turbines. Syria currently generates around 1,000 megawatts through Siemens equipment, while other power plants operating under Siemens licenses produce roughly 1,400 megawatts.
He added that Siemens also operates 103 low-voltage substations and six high-voltage substations in Syria, underscoring the company’s longstanding presence in the country’s power infrastructure. The minister announced additional agreements and memorandums of understanding with German companies, including a new deal with Siemens to build a command and control system for Syria’s electricity grid.
The Berlin discussions also produced a memorandum with Knauf focused on gypsum board manufacturing, linking the energy talks to broader industrial recovery and reconstruction needs. Bashir thanked German public and private institutions that have supported Syria’s energy sector, particularly KfW and GIZ. He said he hopes the forum will mark the beginning of deeper bilateral partnerships in the months ahead.
Strategic Importance of Presidential Visit
As part of the visit, President Ahmad al-Sharaa and the Syrian delegation toured the headquarters of Siemens Energy, where they reviewed the company’s operations and discussed future cooperation. The visit included the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Syria’s Energy Ministry and Siemens Energy, as well as a gas power generation capacity reservation agreement between UCC Holding and Siemens.
Taken together, the agreements mark a significant step in Syria’s efforts to restore electricity production, modernize grid management and expand renewable and industrial capacity. The Berlin forum also reinforced Germany’s emerging role as a key partner in Syria’s broader reconstruction strategy.
