Qatar and Turkey set to provide Syria with ships designed for electricity generation
Reports suggest that this initiative is designed to address critical power shortages caused by widespread damage to the nation’s energy infrastructure.
According to a report from state news agency SANA on Tuesday, Syria is poised to acquire two electricity-generating vessels from Turkey and Qatar. This move aims to alleviate the country’s acute energy shortages, which have been exacerbated by substantial infrastructure destruction during President Bashar al-Assad’s administration.
Khaled Abu Dai, the Director General of the General Establishment for Electricity Transmission and Distribution, informed SANA that the ships are expected to collectively produce 800 megawatts of electricity. However, he did not elaborate on how long these ships will remain in operation.
Abu Dai highlighted the significant damage sustained by power generation and transformation stations, as well as electrical connection lines, during the previous regime’s tenure. He emphasized ongoing efforts to rehabilitate these facilities to enable energy transmission. However, he did not specify a timeline for when the ships would reach Syria.
On Monday, the United States declared a temporary six-month suspension of sanctions on transactions with Syrian governmental entities in the aftermath of the conclusion of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This move is intended to expedite the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The newly granted exemption, valid until July 7, allows specific transactions related to energy and personal remittances to Syria, while maintaining all current sanctions.
Syria is grappling with severe electricity shortages, as state-provided power remains limited to just two to three hours per day in most regions. The country’s caretaker government has committed to boosting electricity availability to as much as eight hours daily within a span of two months.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) revealed on Monday its decision to substantially expand its operations in Syria. This initiative aims to tackle pressing requirements in the sectors of healthcare, water, and electricity infrastructure.
During her visit to Syria, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric announced that the organization is set to exceed its original financial commitment of $100 million for the country in 2025. In an interview with Reuters, Spoljaric noted, “Our program for this year was initially set at $100 million, yet we anticipate significant expansion,” highlighting the urgent humanitarian challenges confronting local communities.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that Syria’s humanitarian aid requirements for the current year stand at $4.07 billion, but so far, just 33.1% of this target has been met. This funding gap amounts to a significant $2.73 billion, underscoring an urgent call for heightened international support.
Spoljaric highlighted that donor nations have already increased their contributions, allowing the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to amplify its ongoing initiatives. The organization has been among the few to sustain operations in Syria during President Bashar al-Assad’s tenure, concentrating on endeavors such as the rehabilitation of water and power systems. “We must expand this effort, as there is significant work to be done in the health sector,” she stated.
