Turkey delivers natural gas to Syria, procured from Azerbaijan - Turkey delivers natural gas from Azerbaijan to Syria
In a significant development, Syria's energy landscape is set to undergo a transformation, thanks to a collaborative effort by Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Qatar. The power plant in Syria, with a capacity to generate electricity for approximately five million households, is being commissioned using natural gas from Azerbaijan, supplied by Turkey.
Since taking office, the former jihadist al-Shaar, now the transitional president of Syria, has been trying to cultivate a more moderate image. Under his leadership, the Islamist HTS militia, a former branch of Al-Qaeda but now disavowed, overthrew the long-time Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in December.
The initial phase of Turkey's natural gas supply involves delivering about 3.4 million cubic meters of Azeri gas daily through a pipeline running from Kilis, Turkey, to Aleppo, Syria. This project, financially supported by Qatar through the Qatar Fund for Development, is expected to boost Syria's electricity generation by approximately 750 megawatts. This increase will help address the severe energy shortages caused by the war-damaged infrastructure, improving daily electricity availability from just 3-4 hours up to around 10 hours.
The pipeline, completed in May 2025, can ultimately deliver up to 6 million cubic meters per day, enough to power approximately 5 million households. Plans are in place to extend the supply from Aleppo to central Syria, including Homs. This development is considered a strategic step in stabilizing Syria's energy security, supporting reconstruction efforts, improving economic conditions, and aiding displaced persons' return to their homes.
Qatar’s involvement is crucial, having fully funded the pipeline project, highlighting its role in regional energy cooperation and humanitarian support during this critical phase of Syria’s recovery. The ceremony in Kilis, attended by the Syrian Minister of Energy, the Azerbaijani Minister of Economy, the head of the Qatar Development Fund, and Bayraktar, underscores the international community's commitment to Syria's rebuilding.
However, the road to recovery is long. According to UN estimates, it may take Syria more than 50 years to restore its economic strength to the level it was at before the war began. Power outages lasting more than 20 hours are common in Syria, a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. Despite this, the commissioning of the power plant and the operation of power plants in Aleppo and Homs in the near future offer a glimmer of hope for the Syrian people.
[1] Syria's Energy Infrastructure to be Boosted by Turkey-Azerbaijan Gas Pipeline
[2] Qatar Funds Syria's Energy Recovery Through Gas Pipeline Project
[3] Turkey, Azerbaijan, Qatar Collaborate to Boost Syria's Energy Security
[4] Syria's Energy Crisis: How Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Qatar are Helping
- The collaboration between Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Qatar, as seen in the Turkey-Azerbaijan gas pipeline project, is expected to have a substantial impact on Syria's energy industry, boosting its energy security and aiding in the recovery of its war-damaged infrastructure.
- Qatar's significant financial support, such as its funding of the Syria-bound gas pipeline project, highlights its role in the finance sector, playing a crucial part in regional energy cooperation and humanitarian support during Syria's recovery phase.
