The rehabilitation of Syria’s energy sector has emerged as a top priority for the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) as it works to restore essential services, stabilize the economy, and pave the way for national reconstruction. The sector, devastated by over a decade of conflict and sanctions, is key to reviving daily life and enabling industrial recovery.
New Era of Collaboration & Aid
This week marked significant progress as two floating power plants, one from Turkey and one from Qatar, were announced to aid electricity generation in Syria. Khaled Abu Dai, Director General of the General Establishment for Electricity Transmission and Distribution, said the ships are expected to generate 800 megawatts – equivalent to half of the country’s current electricity output.
“These additions will increase citizens’ electricity share by approximately 50%,” Abu Dai said, adding that work is underway to secure transmission lines for the power generated by the ships. For years, Syrians have endured electricity shortages, with daily outages lasting up to 20 hours. The STG has pledged to ensure eight hours of electricity per day within two months, a goal made more achievable by recent international cooperation.
Turkey and Qatar have been among the first nations to engage with the new administration in Damascus, offering technical and material support to address Syria’s energy needs. Turkey’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar underscored Ankara’s commitment to supporting Syria’s recovery during a December meeting of the Justice and Development Party (AKP). “We will determine Syria’s needs in terms of infrastructure, energy, and electricity and do our best to ensure access to these basic services,” Bayraktar said.
Qatar has also played a vital role, providing financial and logistical assistance to Syria’s efforts to rehabilitate its energy grid. Both nations reopened their embassies in Damascus following the overthrow of the Assad regime, signaling a renewed partnership in regional stability.
A Heavy Legacy of Destruction
The war has left Syria’s energy infrastructure in ruins. Damaged oil and gas fields, power plants, and transmission lines have exacerbated a severe electricity crisis. Losses to the electricity sector alone amount to an estimated $40 billion, according to former regime officials. The broader economic toll is staggering, with total losses to the Syrian economy estimated at $400 to $530 billion, including $115 billion in damages to the oil sector.
Syria’s oil fields, primarily located in the provinces of Deir Ezzor, Hasakah, and Homs, were once a key economic pillar. In 2010, Syria produced 385,000 barrels of oil per day. By 2018, that number had plummeted to just 24,000 barrels per day, largely due to the conflict, infrastructure destruction, and the transfer of control of oil fields to various factions.
The new government recognizes the urgent need to restore oil production and leverage the country’s reserves, which rank 31st globally. However, achieving this goal will require substantial investment, technical expertise, and the resolution of disputes over oil-rich territories.
US Sanctions Relief & International Assistance
Recent developments have brought cautious optimism. The United States announced a six-month easing of sanctions, including provisions to facilitate the restoration of essential services such as electricity and water. The move is part of a broader effort to support Syria’s transitional government while ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
The STG has called for a complete lifting of sanctions, arguing that restrictions hinder the import of critical goods such as fuel and wheat. Trade Minister Maher Khalil al-Hassan warned that Syria faces a looming “catastrophe” without swift action to secure long-term energy supplies. The international community, however, remains watchful. Nations like the US and its allies are closely monitoring the governance of the new administration to determine future engagement.
Applying Idlib’s Experience
While the areas under the former regime’s control failed to rehabilitate its energy sector despite support from China, Iran, and Russia, Idlib’s success in restoring electricity through its partnership with Turkey and the Green Energy Company (GEC) offers a blueprint for rebuilding Syria’s energy sector. By importing electricity via a high-frequency line from Turkey, Idlib now powers 70% of the province, benefiting homes, businesses, and essential services like hospitals and agriculture. The Syrian Transitional Government (STG) can leverage Idlib’s model to expand national recovery efforts, showcasing the potential of partnerships and innovative solutions to restore critical infrastructure.
Path to Recovery
Rehabilitating Syria’s energy sector is central to its economic revival. Restored power will benefit households, where electricity access in Damascus is currently limited to three hours a day, and reinvigorate factories and industrial facilities that have been paralyzed for years. Syrian businessman Rashid Shabat expressed hope that these efforts will foster stability and growth, crediting Gulf states and Turkey for their critical support.
The STG’s plans extend beyond immediate repairs. The General Authority of Civil Aviation and Maritime Transport announced that infrastructure at key airports is also being rehabilitated to facilitate cargo and passenger flights, further integrating Syria into regional and global economies.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges. Rebuilding the energy sector alone will require billions of dollars in investment while navigating political complexities remains an ongoing hurdle. However, with international partnerships and strategic planning, Syria is taking its first steps toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
