Is Syria's energy system in ruins?

Syria’s energy system is in ruins. To rebuild energy security the country’s new government faces two major challenges. The first, vital for Syria’s swift recovery and political stability, is bringing reliable flows of electricity and fuel to its people.

Does Syria have a good energy supply?

The lack of reliable energy supplies is a major concern for Syrian citizens and its new government. Syria’s oil and gas sector is in an even worse state. Before 2011 the country was an oil exporter producing 400 000 barrels of oil per day. Today, it scarcely produces 20 000 and relies on imports.

Should Syria become an energy hub?

In the longer term, it should offer Syria a role in an interconnected Eastern Mediterranean energy hub with independent access to the EU market for gas and electricity. For more than a decade, Syrians have been coping with severe energy shortages. Years of war and division have crippled over 50% of the country's electricity grid.

Why does Syria have a low electricity supply?

The war has seen a drop in electricity generation capacity from 8 500 Megawatts to just 3 500, primarily due to the destruction of key power plants including Mahardah, Aleppo and Zayzoun. The lack of reliable energy supplies is a major concern for Syrian citizens and its new government. Syria’s oil and gas sector is in an even worse state.

Can the EU help Syria regain energy security?

Syria has many challenges. Energy is one. The EU can be part of the solution with a strong offer supporting domestic electricity generation and long-term energy system integration. Syria’s energy system is in ruins. To rebuild energy security the country’s new government faces two major challenges.

What role does energy play in Syria's Recovery?

“Given the critical role of energy in Syria’s recovery, we have to rapidly address energy poverty and progressively accelerate the access to renewable energy,” Sudipto Mukerjee, UNDP’s resident representative in Syria, said in a statement announcing the plan.