Electricity in Syria in 2022
In 2022, the electricity landscape in Syria heavily favored fossil energy, accounting for almost all of the electricity generation with a whopping 96%. Within this category, gas emerged as the primary fossil fuel, contributing to about 38% of the country's electricity consumption. On the greener side, low-carbon sources delivered a minor share, dominating just over 4% of total electricity generation. With hydropower being the significant low-carbon source, it contributed to almost all of this modest green share. It's crucial for Syria to increase its reliance on low-carbon electricity to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution, shifting the balance away from fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Syria?
Electricity consumption in Syria shows a troubling downturn. As of 2022, electricity usage per person has significantly decreased to 894 kWh, a stark contrast to the 2010 peak of 2064 kWh. This represents a dramatic decline of 1170 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a reduction, with only 39 kWh per person in 2022 compared to 322 kWh in 1984. These numbers reflect a worrying trend where both overall and low-carbon electricity usage per person are declining, highlighting an urgent need for Syria to rejuvenate its electricity sector, especially through sustainable growth in clean energy capacity.
Suggestions
Syria can look to other countries for strategies to boost its low-carbon electricity generation, particularly focusing on solar and nuclear energy. Countries like Armenia and Lebanon demonstrate significant secondary reliance on nuclear and solar energy, respectively. Armenia generates a substantial portion of its electricity from nuclear, around 31%, and Lebanon has integrated solar into its energy mix, reaching 31%. Given the sunny climate of Syria, solar energy holds great potential for increased adoption. Additionally, countries with strong nuclear programs, like France, where nuclear energy accounts for 67% of electricity generation, showcase the enormous opportunity for Syria to expand its nuclear capacity and secure a steady, clean energy supply.
History
Delving into the historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity in Syria, the story revolves primarily around hydropower. Starting in the early 1980s, there were some positive gains, such as a notable increase in 1982. The turn of the millennium saw temporary growth in 2000 and 2001, but the following years were marked by decline, particularly from 2006 to 2009 and again from 2013 to 2015, where sharp decreases were noticeable. Although small increments occurred in some subsequent years, the overall pattern signifies a fluctuating and often declining use of hydropower. This historical perspective underlines the need for a more consistent and ambitious approach to growing sustainable electricity generation in Syria, leaving behind inconsistent hydro growth and cementing pathways in nuclear and solar technologies instead.
