Turkey has announced plans to significantly increase energy supplies to Syria as part of efforts to stabilize the region and support Syria’s recovery from years of war and infrastructure collapse. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar highlighted these initiatives during his speech at the 15th session of the General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency in Abu Dhabi.
Expanding Energy Ties
Minister Bayraktar emphasized Turkey’s commitment to strengthening ties with neighboring markets, including Syria. “Given our geographical location, we are currently supplying our neighbor Iraq with energy, and we will work to increase our energy supplies to Syria to ensure stability in the region and this country,” he said.
Turkey currently provides Syria with 210 megawatts of electricity daily through seven points along their shared border, a supply Bayraktar has promised to increase. Plans are underway to boost energy exports to Aleppo Governorate, with Turkey aiming to provide an additional 500 megawatts of electricity within the next six months.
Restoring Stability & Supporting Refugees
Bayraktar framed these energy initiatives as part of an ongoing strategy to create a stable environment that facilitates the return of Syrian refugees from Turkey to their homeland. “Our efforts aim to restore life to normal in Syria, providing a safe, dignified, and organized environment for the return of refugees,” he told CNN Turk.
Innovative Solutions: Floating Power Stations
In addition to expanding energy exports through conventional grid connections, Turkey is exploring the use of floating power stations to supply electricity to Syria. The Turkish company Karpowership, known for its fleet of floating power plants, has expressed readiness to play a role in Syria’s energy revival.
A spokesperson for Karpowership told Reuters that the company is in talks with the Turkish and Syrian governments to evaluate options for providing electricity. “Many alternatives for energy production are being evaluated, and we are one of them,” the spokesperson said.
Floating power stations, or electric ships, are already used by Karpowership to supply electricity to 12 countries in Africa and South America. These ships, capable of generating up to 470 megawatts of power, represent a potential solution for regions of Syria where conventional power infrastructure remains inoperable.
Addressing a Nation in Need
Syria’s power grid has been severely damaged by years of war, with widespread outages affecting daily life and economic recovery. Following the fall of the Assad regime, the new Syrian administration has prioritized rebuilding the electrical infrastructure, initiating talks with Turkey to address the nation’s energy needs.
While the plans are still in the early stages, Turkish efforts to supply additional electricity offer hope for faster recovery in northern Syria. These efforts could also improve living conditions for millions of Syrians and pave the way for increased cooperation between the two nations.
Moving Forward
As Turkey continues to evaluate and implement energy solutions, the collaboration marks a promising step in Syria’s journey toward rebuilding. With energy supplies poised to increase and innovative alternatives like floating power stations under consideration, Turkish and Syrian officials are optimistic about the role these projects will play in restoring stability and fostering regional development.
