-
Syria’s Electricity Crisis: Slight Improvement Amid a 5000 MW Deficit
-
The ongoing electricity crisis in Syria highlights the structural challenges facing the energy sector, requiring substantial investments and long-term solutions to overcome
Khaled Aboudi, the director of the Transport and Distribution Institution at the Ministry of Electricity under the Syrian Interim Government, emphasized that the electricity situation has slightly improved compared to previous periods. However, it still falls short of meeting the full needs of citizens.
In statements published by the newspaper "Al-Watan," Aboudi explained that current electricity production in Syria is around 1300 MW, which is significantly lower than the actual demand, estimated at 6500 MW.
He highlighted that achieving full stability in the sector requires massive, long-term investments, stating: "We need approximately 6020 tons of fuel oil per day and 21.8 million cubic meters of natural gas to operate power plants efficiently and improve the electricity situation."
Regarding power cuts, Aboudi mentioned that efforts are underway to increase electricity supply in the coming period by importing necessary fuel oil and boosting production capacity to 4000 MW. Additionally, natural gas will begin to be imported from Qatar’s Development Fund through Jordan.
He also noted that the resumption of oil and gas supplies from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to the Syrian government will help develop the electricity sector, allowing for the operation of gas-powered generation plants. However, he added that the impact of this step depends on the volume of supplies and the regularity of shipments.
Aboudi confirmed that relying on domestic oil instead of importing it through intermediaries will reduce the financial costs associated with securing fuel.
Earlier this week, Qatar announced an initiative to provide reliable natural gas supplies to Syria, with daily supplies of two million cubic meters of gas to be transported through Jordan for a specified period. This is aimed at generating 400 MW of electricity initially, with gradual increases over time.
