Electricity in Syria in 2022
As of 2022, electricity generation in Syria overwhelmingly relies on fossil fuels, with almost 96% of its total electricity coming from these sources. This includes a significant contribution from natural gas, which constitutes a little over a third of the total electricity mix. Low-carbon energy sources currently play a very limited role in Syria, contributing just over 4% to the overall electricity generation. Of the low-carbon options, hydropower makes up the majority, almost 4% of the total electricity generation. The dominance of fossil fuels in the electricity mix raises concerns about environmental impact and highlights the urgent need for a shift toward cleaner energy sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Syria?
In terms of electricity consumption, Syria has seen a significant decline since its peak in 2010. The latest data from 2022 reveal that total electricity consumption is 894 kWh per person, which is nearly a 60% drop from the 2010 record of 2064 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has sharply decreased, with the 2022 figure at 39 kWh per person, a striking reduction from the high of 322 kWh per person in 1984. These figures indicate a worrying trend of declining electricity availability and an even steeper drop in the share of clean electricity, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to reverse this trend and promote electricity growth, particularly from low-carbon sources.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Syria could learn valuable lessons from regions with successful clean energy practices. Countries like France and Slovakia have achieved significant reliance on nuclear energy, with nuclear power providing 70% and 66%, respectively, of their electricity needs. Similarly, embracing wind and solar power could provide sustainable energy solutions, as evidenced by regions like Iowa with 60% wind and California with nearly 30% solar-generated electricity. Lebanon, a neighboring country, generates about 31% of its electricity from solar, exemplifying a relevant path for Syria to consider. By investing in solar and nuclear power, Syria can significantly boost its clean energy production, reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, and address pressing environmental and energy challenges.
History
In the past, Syria's low-carbon electricity production, primarily from hydropower, experienced fluctuations. In the early 1980s, there was modest growth, with notable increases in 1982 and 1984. However, in the mid-1980s and the following decades, hydropower saw inconsistent progress with frequent declines, including significant drops in 2002 and 2015. Despite occasional years of growth, these setbacks highlight the need for a more consistent and forward-thinking energy strategy. Embracing nuclear and solar energy, alongside other low-carbon technologies, will be pivotal for achieving a stable and sustainable electricity future in Syria. Past reliance on hydropower shouldn't deter Syria from harnessing more reliable and modern clean energy technologies that can secure its energy independence and environmental well-being.
