Syria Aims for Solar Power as a Long-term Solution to Energy Crisis Amid Sanctions Lift
Following the removal of US sanctions, Syria plans to focus on renewable energy and infrastructure repair to address its ongoing energy crisis.
With the lifting of US sanctions, Syria is turning towards solar power as a potential solution to its long-standing energy crisis.
The country has faced significant challenges in securing state electricity due to the nearly 14-year civil war and previous economic restrictions.
Abdulrazak Al-Jenan's decision to invest in a solar panel in 2019 was a necessary measure for his family, enabling them to charge their phones and power their refrigerator during periods of limited state electricity.
However, he went into debt to afford it, highlighting the financial burden on individuals seeking alternative energy solutions.Syria's interim Energy Minister, Mohammad Al-Bashir, emphasizes that while solar panels on rooftops are a temporary fix, the main objective is to provide stable and sufficient power through a repaired and expanded grid.
The World Bank has recently provided a $146 million grant for infrastructure repair, including transmission lines and transformer substations, which can currently supply 5,000 megawatts but falls short of the country's needs due to fuel shortages.
A $7 billion energy deal has also been signed with companies from Qatar, Turkey, and the US to develop more capacity through a combination of gas turbines and solar power, aiming to meet Syrians' energy demands.Despite the focus on restoring existing fossil fuel infrastructure for immediate economic benefits and investor attraction, there are plans to develop renewable energy solutions.
The UN Development Program intends to create a comprehensive plan within the next year, assessing Syria's projected energy demand and identifying the potential contribution of renewable sources.
This approach aligns with the goal of addressing energy poverty and promoting long-term sustainable energy access.The crippling effect of sanctions on Syria's power grid is notable, as restrictions made it difficult to import fuel, secure spare parts, and manage projects due to financial and logistical challenges.
The removal of these sanctions, facilitated by executive orders from former US President Donald Trump, aims to reintegrate Syria into the global economy, facilitate rebuilding efforts, and stimulate economic recovery.
The UN estimates that the civil war caused extensive damages and economic losses, leaving 90% of Syrians living in poverty.
Therefore, a functional energy sector is deemed crucial for any sustainable economic revival.The lifting of sanctions opens the door for US businesses to invest in Syria, signaling a shift towards normalized relations.
This development is expected to enhance Syria's capacity to address its energy crisis comprehensively and promote long-term economic stability.
As individuals like Abdulrazak Al-Jenan await the restoration of state electricity, they hope that this change will eventually lead to improved connectivity and access to essential services across the country.
The country has faced significant challenges in securing state electricity due to the nearly 14-year civil war and previous economic restrictions.
Abdulrazak Al-Jenan's decision to invest in a solar panel in 2019 was a necessary measure for his family, enabling them to charge their phones and power their refrigerator during periods of limited state electricity.
However, he went into debt to afford it, highlighting the financial burden on individuals seeking alternative energy solutions.Syria's interim Energy Minister, Mohammad Al-Bashir, emphasizes that while solar panels on rooftops are a temporary fix, the main objective is to provide stable and sufficient power through a repaired and expanded grid.
The World Bank has recently provided a $146 million grant for infrastructure repair, including transmission lines and transformer substations, which can currently supply 5,000 megawatts but falls short of the country's needs due to fuel shortages.
A $7 billion energy deal has also been signed with companies from Qatar, Turkey, and the US to develop more capacity through a combination of gas turbines and solar power, aiming to meet Syrians' energy demands.Despite the focus on restoring existing fossil fuel infrastructure for immediate economic benefits and investor attraction, there are plans to develop renewable energy solutions.
The UN Development Program intends to create a comprehensive plan within the next year, assessing Syria's projected energy demand and identifying the potential contribution of renewable sources.
This approach aligns with the goal of addressing energy poverty and promoting long-term sustainable energy access.The crippling effect of sanctions on Syria's power grid is notable, as restrictions made it difficult to import fuel, secure spare parts, and manage projects due to financial and logistical challenges.
The removal of these sanctions, facilitated by executive orders from former US President Donald Trump, aims to reintegrate Syria into the global economy, facilitate rebuilding efforts, and stimulate economic recovery.
The UN estimates that the civil war caused extensive damages and economic losses, leaving 90% of Syrians living in poverty.
Therefore, a functional energy sector is deemed crucial for any sustainable economic revival.The lifting of sanctions opens the door for US businesses to invest in Syria, signaling a shift towards normalized relations.
This development is expected to enhance Syria's capacity to address its energy crisis comprehensively and promote long-term economic stability.
As individuals like Abdulrazak Al-Jenan await the restoration of state electricity, they hope that this change will eventually lead to improved connectivity and access to essential services across the country.
