Electricity in Syria in 2022

In 2022, Syria's electricity consumption was overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels, with slightly over 95% of its electricity generated from these sources, and natural gas accounting for more than half of the total fossil proportion at about 54%. In stark contrast, low-carbon or clean energy sources contributed to less than 5% of the country's electricity generation. Among low-carbon sources, hydropower was the predominant contributor, making up around 4.5% of the total electricity generated in Syria. Unfortunately, other forms of clean energy like solar or wind are nearly absent in the current mix.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Syria can look to the examples of countries that have successfully incorporated nuclear, wind, and solar energy into their electricity grids. Ukraine, a country with challenging conditions similar to Syria, generates more than half of its electricity from nuclear energy, suggesting a potential pathway for Syria to diversify its energy mix. Additionally, countries like Denmark, where nearly 60% of electricity is generated from wind power, and Greece, with its significant investments in solar power resulting in 22% solar electricity generation, offer valuable lessons. These examples illustrate the potential benefits of developing and investing in a combination of nuclear, wind, and solar energies to establish a more sustainable and reliable electricity supply in Syria.

History

Historically, Syria's journey with low-carbon electricity generation has been largely tied to hydropower. In the early 1980s, Syria saw gradual increases in hydropower output, including notable gains in 1982 and 1984. However, this was followed by some erratic developments, with both increases and significant declines in subsequent years. Notably, from 2002 to 2009, hydropower output saw a series of setbacks, with reductions almost every year except for 2003 and 2004. Despite a temporary recovery in 2010 and 2011, the mid-2010s witnessed substantial declines again, most prominently in 2015. This unpredictable pattern underscores the need for Syria to incorporate more stable and diversified low-carbon energy sources, such as nuclear and solar, to ensure a consistent and sustainable electricity supply for the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources