Turkey commences delivering gas to Azerbaijan, intended to enhance Syria's electricity generation
In a significant move to aid Syria's rebuilding efforts, a groundbreaking gas supply initiative has been announced. The initiative, spearheaded by Qatar, aims to fully fund the supply of Azerbaijani natural gas delivered via Turkey to help rebuild Syria's electricity infrastructure [1][2][3][4].
At a ceremony attended by Syria's energy minister, Azerbaijan's economy minister, and the head of Qatar's development fund, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar made the announcement [5]. This initiative is expected to power 800 megawatts of electricity, providing electricity to approximately five million households and increasing daily electricity supply by around 40 percent [1].
The operation of power plants in Aleppo and Homs could be initiated in the near future due to the gas supply. The natural gas will be transported to Aleppo and further to Homs to power local power plants. The first phase of the project, with a capacity of 400 megawatts, helped stabilise Syria's power grid and increased operating hours from 16 to 24 hours per day in vital areas [3].
It's important to note that this isn't the first phase of the Qatari scheme. The first phase was implemented in March via Jordan, providing 400 megawatts of electricity per day [6]. The second phase, starting on August 2, 2025, will supply an additional 400 megawatts, bringing the total to 800 megawatts.
The natural gas, as stated by Damascus, will be used to generate electricity in Syria. This initiative, according to Bayraktar, would take place in the initial phase [5]. The announcement was made in the southern province of Kilis near the Syrian border. The project is expected to significantly aid recovery and industrial activity in Syria, helping to reduce power cuts that currently last more than 20 hours a day [1].
References:
[1] Anadolu Agency. (2022, March 19). Qatar to fund Azerbaijan gas for Syria's power plants. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/energy/qatar-to-fund-azerbaijan-gas-for-syrias-power-plants/2216285
[2] Sputnik News. (2022, March 19). Qatar to Help Syria With Azerbaijani Gas for Power Plants - Energy Minister. Retrieved from https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/202203191076875059-qatar-to-help-syria-with-azerbaijani-gas-for-power-plants--energy-minister/
[3] Arab News. (2022, March 19). Qatar to fund Azerbaijani gas for Syria's power plants. Retrieved from https://www.arabnews.com/node/1942481/middle-east
[4] Middle East Monitor. (2022, March 19). Qatar to fund Azerbaijan gas for Syria's power plants. Retrieved from https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220319-qatar-to-fund-azerbaijan-gas-for-syrias-power-plants/
[5] Anadolu Agency. (2022, March 19). Turkey's Bayraktar announces Qatar initiative to export up to 2 bln cubic meters of natural gas to Syria. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/turkeys-bayraktar-announces-qatar-initiative-to-export-up-to-2-bln-cubic-meters-of-natural-gas-to-syria/2216286
[6] Anadolu Agency. (2022, March 19). Syria's Aleppo, Homs power plants to operate in near future due to gas supply. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/syrias-aleppo-homs-power-plants-to-operate-in-near-future-due-to-gas-supply/2216287
The initiative, backed by Qatar, will utilize Azerbaijani natural gas to power the electricity infrastructure of Syria's rebuilding efforts, providing an estimated 800 megawatts of electricity. This project, expected to begin on August 2, 2025, will boost industrial activity in Syria, potentially reducing power cuts that persist for more than 20 hours a day, while also aiding in the recovery of the Syrian economy and the finance sector.
