In a move to strengthen energy infrastructure and enhance electricity supply stability across several Syrian governorates, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in partnership with Italy and Norway, has signed a $10.7 million agreement to rehabilitate the Deir Ali power plant in Rural Damascus.
The project includes urgent maintenance work on the plant’s second expansion phase, as well as the supply and installation of critical spare parts. It also provides for training local technical teams to ensure long-term operational sustainability and improve maintenance efficiency.
Rehabilitation of Deir Ali a Priority
During a meeting with representatives from Italy, Norway, and UNDP at the Deir Ali plant, Energy Minister Muhammad al-Bashir emphasized that the facility remains a cornerstone of Syria’s electrical infrastructure amid ongoing sector challenges. He described the project as a crucial first step and expressed hope that it would be followed by broader initiatives.
Bashir noted although agreements have been signed to construct new power generation plants, rehabilitating Deir Ali is being prioritized due to its relatively short implementation timeline and direct impact on improving grid stability. He also expressed gratitude to international partners for their support.
Supporting Economic Stability
Muhammad Madwi, acting resident representative of UNDP in Syria, described the support for the Deir Ali plant as a strategic investment helping power hospitals, secure water supplies, encourage the safe and dignified return of displaced communities, and improve livelihoods for millions of Syrians.
He said the partnership with the Syrian government is expected to bring tangible improvements to daily life across the country and thanked Italy and Norway for their continued cooperation and commitment to Syria’s recovery.
Supporting Syria’s Recovery
Italian Ambassador to Syria Stefano Ravagnan said launching the project reflects Italy’s concrete commitment to supporting Syria’s recovery, noting it will deliver immediate improvements in electricity reliability for local communities and regional industrial activity.
Hilde Haraldstad, chargé d’affaires at the Norwegian Embassy in Syria, reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to supporting the rehabilitation of electricity infrastructure, stating that such initiatives help create conditions for the return of displaced persons and enable communities to rebuild.
Strategic Importance of the Plant
The initiative is expected to restore approximately 120 megawatts of generating capacity, benefiting over 2 million people in Rural Damascus, Daraa, Quneitra, and Suwayda. The Deir Ali plant is among the most significant power generation facilities in Syria. At full capacity, it has a total installed capacity of 1,450 megawatts and supplies large areas of the country through the national grid.
The project forms part of broader efforts to rehabilitate Syria’s electricity sector, including work on strategic facilities such as the Jandar, Aleppo Thermal, Baniyas, and Zara power plants, as well as the Euphrates Dam in Tabqa, which together constitute the backbone of the national energy supply.
