Qatar Announces Initiative to Supply Natural Gas for Syria’s Electricity Needs
Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud Al Sharif, the Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Qatari Embassy in Syria, announced a Qatari initiative to provide natural gas supplies to Syria via Jordanian territories. The goal is to contribute to generating 400 megawatts (MW) of electricity, addressing part of Syria’s critical power shortage.
During a meeting with Syria’s Minister of Electricity, Eng. Omar Shaqrouq, at the Deir Ali Power Station in the Damascus countryside, Al Sharif emphasized that the initiative aligns with the directives of Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. It is supported by the Qatar Fund for Development and implemented in collaboration with Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which will oversee the execution phases.
Addressing Syria’s Electricity Crisis: A Collaborative Effort
Minister Shaqrouq expressed gratitude to Qatar for this timely initiative amid Syria’s severe electricity crisis. He noted that the Deir Ali Power Station would receive 2 million cubic meters of natural gas daily, enabling the generation of an additional 400 MW of electricity. This amount constitutes a portion of Syria’s estimated total need of 6,500 MW.
The minister highlighted that the gas supplies would increase daily electricity availability by 2 to 4 hours, positively impacting citizens’ daily lives and supporting vital sectors across the country. The natural gas will be transported via the Arab Gas Pipeline, which passes through Jordanian territory.
Enhancing Grid Stability: Insights from Syrian Officials
Eng. Omar Breijawi, Director of the General Establishment for Electricity Generation, explained that
Qatar’s gas support would have a positive impact on stabilizing Syria’s electricity grid, which has been
heavily affected in recent years. He added that the second block of the Deir Ali Power Station is ready to
commence operations following recent rehabilitation efforts, preparing it to receive the incoming Qatari gas.
UNDP’s Role in Supporting Syria’s Energy Sector
Mohammad Madawi, Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP, outlined their strategic plan to develop Syria’s electricity sector. He clarified that the UNDP’s role in this initiative includes providing assistance in case of emergencies during gas transportation, maintaining the Arab Gas Pipeline within Syrian territories, and offering financial and technical support to Syria’s Ministry of Electricity and the Syrian Gas Company.
A Hands-On Approach: Al Sharif Tours Deir Ali Power Station
Al Sharif concluded his visit with a tour of the Deir Ali Power Station, where he inspected its various sections and learned about its operational mechanisms. This visit underscores Qatar’s commitment to ensuring the success of the Qatari Initiative for Syria Energy.
Why This Matters for Syria’s Future
The Qatari Initiative for Syria Energy marks a significant step toward addressing Syria’s electricity woes, a critical component of the country’s reconstruction efforts. By generating an additional 400 MW and increasing daily power availability, this initiative not only improves living conditions but also supports Syria’s broader stabilization and development goals.
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