Electricity in Syria in 2022
As of 2022, electricity consumption in Syria is heavily reliant on fossil energies, contributing to more than 95% of the total electricity generation. Specifically, a notable portion, almost 40%, comes from gas. In contrast, low-carbon energy makes up a mere 4% of the total, with hydropower constituting the largest segment within this category at almost 4%. The reliance on fossil sources underscores the urgent need for Syria to pivot towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity solutions, which include enhancing low-carbon energy sources like nuclear and solar.
Is Electricity Growing in Syria?
Over the last decade, electricity consumption in Syria has faced significant challenges; it has drastically declined to 894 kWh per person from its peak of 2066 kWh per person in 2010—indicating a fall of almost 60%. Similarly, low-carbon electricity, which once reached heights of 322 kWh per person in 1984, now stands at a mere 39 kWh per person—a significant plummet of more than 85%. These declines mark a troubling trend, suggesting that electricity is not growing in Syria, and highlight the critical need for strategies geared towards substantial reconstruction and expansion in this sector.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Syria can look towards countries with successful clean energy strategies. For instance, Lebanon has made commendable strides in solar power, generating close to a third of its electricity from this clean source. Meanwhile, countries like France and Ukraine have effectively utilized nuclear power, with more than half of their electricity deriving from it. Based on these models, Syria can consider integrating solar and nuclear infrastructure to incrementally reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, thereby rejuvenating its overall electricity generation prowess.
History
Syria has experienced fluctuating phases with its low-carbon electricity generation, particularly through hydropower. Notably, in the early 1980s, there were small gains in hydroelectric output, although this growth was inconsistent. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw occasional increases, peaking in 2004 with a significant gain, but were followed by a period of decline from 2006 going into the 2010s. The persistent reductions in later years—alongside the noticeable absence of other clean energy investments such as nuclear or solar—highlight the need for diversifying low-carbon electricity sources. Expanding into nuclear and solar energy represents a vital opportunity for establishing a more secure, sustainable, and resilient electricity framework in Syria's future.