Powering the Recovery – Syria’s Electricity Sector at a Crossroads

Six months after Assad’s fall, public electricity output remains stuck at 1,600 MW, a fraction of the pre-war level. But recent deals and sanctions relief are setting the stage for a turnaround.  Key developments:

• Sanctions lifting can potentially kickstart reconstruction and investment

• New gas agreements with Qatar and Türkiye could double output to 3,200 MW

• A $7B MoU with UCC, Kalyon, Cengiz Enerji and Power International targets 5,000 MW in new generation

However, challenges persist:

• Daily fuel shortfalls of over 7.5 million cmd based on our calculations

• Grid losses exceed 30%, with theft and degradation undermining transmission

• Corruption concerns surrounding UCC’s leadership and may damage public trust

Could this moment mark the start of genuine progress?