Electricity in Syria in 2022
In 2022, the state of electricity consumption in Syria predominantly depended on fossil fuels, comprising almost 96% of the total electricity generation. The significant contributor within this category was gas, accounting for roughly 38%. Low-carbon energy sources contributed a mere 4%, with hydropower being the primary source at around 4%. This stark contrast highlights a considerable dependency on fossil energy, raising concerns about sustainability and environmental impacts, considering the global push towards reducing carbon emissions and embracing cleaner energy options.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Syria?
Examining the situation from a historical perspective, Syria's electricity usage has seen a significant decline. In 2022, the total electricity consumed per person was 894 kWh, which has drastically fallen from the historic high of 2064 kWh per person in 2010. This marks a decrease of approximately 1170 kWh per person, indicating potential economic or infrastructural challenges. The low-carbon electricity generation has also nosedived from its peak in 1984 at 322 kWh per person, dropping to only 39 kWh per person by 2022. Such a decline in clean energy is particularly troubling, given the urgent need to increase sustainable electricity production.
Suggestions
To address the gap in low-carbon electricity generation, Syria could learn from regions successfully leveraging solar and nuclear power. For example, North Macedonia has achieved a substantial solar electricity share, producing nearly 50% of its electricity from solar, despite being a smaller nation. In addition, France and Ukraine effectively source more than 50% of their electric power from nuclear, demonstrating the potential of robust nuclear programs. Adopting strategies seen in these countries could assist Syria in boosting its low-carbon electricity footprint, aligning with global sustainability goals and enhancing its energy security.
History
Syria's history of low-carbon electricity generation reveals fluctuating periods over several decades. The early 1980s saw slight growth in hydropower capacity, with a notable increase in 1984. Unfortunately, this has been tempered by numerous setbacks, particularly in the 2000s, where declines became more apparent, with major decreases in years like 2002 and 2015. Positive growth instances followed in 2004 and 2010, but the overall trend has been inconsistent and thus unable to significantly contribute to the country's sustainable electricity goals. Syria would benefit from stable, increased investments in clean energy to serve as the foundation for its energy future.
