The Syrian Transitional Government (STG) has embarked on a monumental effort to restore and modernize the country’s electrical infrastructure, devastated by over a decade of war and mismanagement under the former Assad regime. The scale of the challenge is enormous, with widespread destruction of power plants, theft of equipment, and years of neglect contributing to a system that now delivers electricity to most citizens for only two hours a day.
Emergency Measures & Long-Term Plans
The STG caretaker Minister of Electricity Omar al-Shaqrouq has outlined a phased approach to tackle the crisis. Speaking to the Jordanian network Al-Mamlaka, he described the state of Syria’s electricity sector as “shocking” and “devastating.”
As an immediate priority, the ministry is implementing an emergency plan to increase electricity availability to 8–10 hours per day within two months. The long-term strategy involves three phases:
Firstly the short-term repair and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, such as reconnecting the electrical grid with Jordan, which requires six months of maintenance.
Followed by the medium-term expansion: Over three years, expanding capacity to provide round-the-clock electricity to Syrian citizens. The third phase focuses on developmental goals, such as establishing a modern, sustainable energy system to attract investments and encourage displaced Syrians to return.
International Cooperation
Efforts to rebuild Syria’s electrical grid have drawn support from neighboring countries. Jordan has pledged to supply 250–300 megawatts of electricity and send technical teams to assess the grid’s readiness. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed his government’s willingness to contribute expertise and resources, including the potential deployment of floating power plants through the Turkish company Karpowership.
“The electricity that Syria needs may initially be met by exporting it from Turkey,” Bayraktar said. He emphasized that detailed evaluations of Syria’s transmission network are underway to determine how best to address the country’s energy challenges.
A Legacy of Destruction
Before the outbreak of war, Syria produced 8,500 megawatts of electricity annually. That capacity has since fallen to 3,500 megawatts due to the destruction of key power plants, including those in Mahardah, Aleppo, and Zayzoun. The cost of rebuilding the sector is estimated at $40 billion in direct damages and an additional $80 billion in indirect losses, according to statements by former officials.
The decline in service has left most Syrians reliant on costly private generators or solar panels, with rural areas experiencing outages of up to 14 hours at a time. Residents in Damascus have called for a fairer distribution of rationed electricity, with many pointing to disparities between wealthy neighborhoods and poorer districts.
Expectations vs. Efforts
For Syrians, the return of reliable electricity is seen as a symbol of progress and hope for the country’s recovery. Ahmad al-Sharaa, General Commander of the transitional administration, promised during a recent interview that basic services would be restored within a year. “The suffering of our people has gone on for too long,” al-Sharaa assured. “Rebuilding Syria starts with providing our citizens with the dignity of basic utilities.”
However, the fledgling government remains tasked with balancing public sentiment and expectations against the feasibility of their efforts and what is achievable in the current political and economic climate.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these optimistic pledges, the STG faces significant hurdles, including a lack of spare parts, operational fuel, and funding. The World Bank has classified Syria’s power plants into hydroelectric and thermal stations, with many facilities needing extensive repairs or replacement.
The STG has initiated talks with international partners, including Turkey and Jordan, to expedite repairs and explore alternative energy solutions. Yet, the scale of the task underscores the challenges of rebuilding a country still reeling from over a decade of conflict.
A Bright Future
While the restoration of electricity will take years, the STG views it as foundational to Syria’s broader recovery. “Electricity is more than power,” Al-Shaqrouq said. “It is the engine of modern life, economic development, and the return of normalcy for millions of Syrians.” With international support and coordinated efforts, the STG aims to bring light to a nation that has endured far too much darkness.
