Azerbaijani gas reaches Syria through Turkey to address energy deficit
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – Syria’s state-run gas company announced on Saturday the commencement of Azerbaijani gas imports via Turkish pipelines, marking the first phase of a new energy initiative aimed at alleviating nationwide electricity shortages.
Engineer Samer Khaddour, Director General of the Syrian Gas Company, stated that deliveries have begun under a bilateral agreement with Azerbaijan, in cooperation with Turkish authorities. The agreement stipulates the daily supply of 3.4 million cubic meters of natural gas, transported through Turkey’s gas network into Syrian territory.
The initial phase of the operation includes a one-week testing and pressure-boosting stage across Syria’s gas infrastructure, beginning with a 60-kilometer stretch between the Turkish border and the Aleppo power station. The first two days involve pressure tests on the pipeline, recently repaired after sustaining damage in prior attacks.
Khaddour confirmed to North Press that the pipeline underwent full maintenance and integrity checks. During the trial stage, an initial 1.5 million cubic meters of gas will be pumped to elevate network pressure to 45 bar. The flow will then be extended southward toward Homs, at a rate of one million cubic meters daily over 48 hours.
On days three and four, gas pressure is expected to reach the Tishrin and Jandar power stations, enabling full-scale operations to commence on day five. At that point, three million cubic meters of gas will be distributed daily between the two facilities. By the end of the week, the full 3.4 million cubic meters per day are expected to reach multiple power plants, including Aleppo, Tishrin, and Jandar, with potential redistribution to the Nasiriyah plant based on operational needs.
Engineer Riad al-Jabassi, Deputy Director of the General Administration for Oil and Gas, stated that the initiative is intended to increase electricity availability from four to eight hours per day across Syrian regions. He noted that Aleppo’s power station currently runs on fuel oil, but plans are underway to convert it to gas, reducing reliance on tanker transport and easing logistical pressure on the energy system.
Al-Jabassi added that future efforts could involve restarting the third unit at the Aleppo thermal power station if sufficient fuel supplies become available, which could significantly boost electricity generation in the region.