The Government of Japan, in partnership with the UN Development Program (UNDP), launched a $12.4 million project to stabilize electricity supply in conflict-affected areas of Syria. The initiative focuses on maintaining the Jandar Power Plant in Homs Governorate, a critical facility for national power generation.
Project Scope and Implementation
The 24-month project will carry out comprehensive maintenance on Units one and two at the Jandar plant, ensuring the stable delivery of up to 540 megawatts to the national grid. This will directly benefit approximately 1.84 million people and indirectly improve electricity access for an estimated 3.33 million others across Syria.
Funded entirely by Japan and implemented by UNDP in collaboration with Syria’s Ministry of Energy, the project includes technical assessments, procurement and installation of original spare parts, including high-quality Japanese-manufactured components, supervision of maintenance works, and specialized training for Syrian engineers and technicians in operations and preventive maintenance.
Historical Partnership and Strategic Importance
Akihiro Tsuji, chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Japan in Syria, noted the plant’s special significance, as it was constructed with Japan’s official development assistance in the early 1990s. “Japan remains firmly committed to continuing its support, in close cooperation with all stakeholders and partners,” he said.
UNDP Resident Representative ad interim Dr. Muhammad Mudawi highlighted Japan’s longstanding partnership, noting that since 2014, Tokyo has contributed over $35 million to rehabilitate three major power plants.
These efforts added 235 megawatts of capacity and reduced losses by approximately 1,000 megawatts. According to UNDP, the projects helped stabilize power supply for around 5.5 million people and support facilities accounting for nearly one-third of national electricity production.
Impact on Affected Governorates
The Jandar plant operates around 7,500 hours annually, generating approximately 4,400 gigawatt-hours. The planned maintenance, particularly the replacement of valves and combustor baskets, is expected to significantly improve electricity availability and reliability in governorates served through transmission lines connected to the plant, notably Homs, Damascus, Rural Damascus, Hama, and Deir Ezzor.
Context of Crisis
The support comes as Syria continues to grapple with a sharp decline in electricity production due to years of conflict, which severely damaged energy infrastructure, caused chronic fuel shortages, and limited access to spare parts. The Jandar rehabilitation represents a strategic intervention strengthening grid stability and alleviating the daily hardships faced by millions of Syrians.
The project launch followed bilateral discussions between Ashhad al-Salibi, director of the Department of Afro-Asian and Oceanian Affairs at Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Japanese chargé d’affaires, focusing on enhancing cooperation to support stability and development.
