Syria Signs $7 Billion Agreement with International Firms to Boost Energy Sector
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian government signed a landmark agreement on Thursday with four international energy companies from the United States, Qatar, and Turkey, aiming to revitalize the country’s ailing power sector and inject 5,000 megawatts into the national grid.
The signing ceremony, held in Damascus, was attended by high-level Syrian officials and representatives from the involved companies. The deal marks the launch of what officials have termed the “Revive Energy in Syria” initiative, focused on expanding gas and renewable energy infrastructure.
According to Syria’s Minister of Energy, Mohammad al-Bashir, the agreement involves $7 billion in foreign investment and covers the development of gas turbine power plants as well as solar energy projects. Al-Bashir described the occasion as a “historic moment” for the country’s energy and electricity sector, which has suffered major damage over the course of the prolonged conflict.
The energy plan includes the construction of four combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants in Deir ez-Zor, Mhardeh, Zayzoun in the Hama countryside, and Trifawi in the Homs countryside. These facilities are expected to produce around 4,000 megawatts of electricity using American and European technologies. In addition, a 1,000-megawatt solar power plant will be developed in Wadi al-Rabi’, in southern Syria.
“This memorandum establishes a new foundation for regional cooperation in the energy sector,” al-Bashir stated during the event. “It will help promote clean and renewable energy projects essential for rebuilding national infrastructure and improving daily life.”
Present at the ceremony was Tom Barrack, the U.S. envoy to Syria, who emphasized the importance of supporting Syria’s recovery. His remarks underlined international interest in stabilizing critical sectors like energy to support broader post-conflict reconstruction.
The Syrian government has previously signed agreements with Turkish partners to secure 2,300 megawatts, either directly or via natural gas imports. However, experts estimate the country needs at least 6,500 megawatts to ensure consistent nationwide electricity supply.
The new agreement is expected to significantly alleviate the power shortages that have plagued many parts of Syria, with potential implications for industry, health care, and public services.