Syria Set to Seal Agreement for Electricity Imports from Turkey, Reports Minister
Syria is reportedly on the verge of completing a power agreement with Turkey and constructing a gas pipeline to Aleppo, aimed at alleviating its persistent energy woes, Energy Minister Mohamed al-Bashir has announced.
According to reports from Syrian state media, Syria is on the verge of finalizing an agreement for the import of electricity from Turkey. This deal involves the establishment of a 400-kilovolt transmission line linking both nations.
Syrian Energy Minister Mohamed al-Bashir confirmed on Sunday that the deal is on the verge of completion.
In tandem with an electricity agreement, Syria is advancing a natural gas pipeline initiative that will connect the Turkish border town of Kilis with Aleppo in northern Syria. This project is designed to provide up to 6 million cubic meters of gas daily to various power plants throughout Syria.
Al-Bashir emphasized that the project is poised to enhance the nation’s energy landscape, underscoring its potential impact on Syria’s overburdened electricity infrastructure.
Syria remains plagued by acute power shortages, a situation exacerbated by prolonged conflict and widespread damage to infrastructure. However, the recently established electricity agreement between Syria and Turkey, along with the development of the Aleppo gas pipeline, holds promise for mitigating the nation’s energy crisis. These initiatives aim to restore crucial services for the Syrian population.
In January, Turkey unveiled its intention to develop a gas pipeline to the Syrian city of Aleppo, a strategic move aimed at alleviating the acute energy crises affecting the devastated area.
Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced on January 30 that the construction of the pipeline is projected to span between 12 to 15 months. In parallel, initiatives aimed at restoring electricity infrastructure, which encompass the renovation of power lines, are anticipated to require a minimum of six months.
Aleppo, a major urban center in Syria, demands approximately 2,000 MW of electrical power, yet the city’s infrastructure sustained significant damage during the conflict. Bayraktar has proposed a strategy aimed at increasing the electricity supply to northern Syria by 50%. This plan involves transferring 500 MW via power lines, with the remaining energy anticipated to be sourced from gas-powered plants, which are currently in need of refurbishment.
