In 2022, Syria’s electricity consumption was overwhelmingly supplied by fossil fuels, which accounted for about 96% of the total. Gas alone supplied roughly 38%, or almost two-fifths. Low-carbon electricity contributed only about 4%, with hydropower providing most of that clean supply at nearly 4% of total electricity. This leaves substantial scope to expand clean electricity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, along with their climate and air-pollution impacts.

Is Electricity Growing in Syria?

Syria’s electricity consumption is far below its historical peak, rather than showing sustained growth to new highs. In 2022, consumption stood at about 890 kWh per person, down from roughly 2,060 kWh in 2010—a decline of about 1,170 kWh, or 57%. Low-carbon electricity generation was just 39 kWh per person, compared with its record of 322 kWh in 1984, a drop of about 88%. These figures reveal a worrying loss of electricity availability and clean generation, although comparing records with 2022 does not establish the latest year-to-year trend. Rebuilding electricity supply is important for households, businesses and future electrification.

Suggestions

Syria could increase low-carbon electricity by expanding solar, developing wind in suitable locations and considering nuclear power as part of a long-term electricity strategy. Nearby Lebanon generates almost a third of its electricity from solar, while Jordan generates about 15%, offering relevant regional examples for solar deployment. Turkey’s wind contribution of about 12% also provides a useful nearby benchmark. For nuclear electricity, Syria could study Armenia, where nuclear supplies almost 30%, and the United Arab Emirates, where it supplies 20%. France, with about two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear, demonstrates the scale of clean generation this technology can deliver. Investment in grids, workforce training and strong institutions would help Syria translate these lessons into growing clean electricity supplies.

History

The supplied history shows repeated gains and reversals in Syria’s hydropower generation. In the early 1980s, output increased by 0.3 TWh in 1982 and 0.5 TWh in 1984, before falling by 0.5 TWh in 1986. The early 2000s brought mixed results: gains in 2000–2001 were followed by a 1 TWh decline in 2002, then renewed growth in 2003–2005, including a substantial 1.4 TWh increase in 2004. Four consecutive declines from 2006 through 2009 erased a combined 2.5 TWh. Generation recovered by 0.7 TWh in both 2010 and 2011, but further declines in 2013–2015 culminated in a particularly troubling 1.9 TWh drop in 2015. A partial recovery of 0.5 TWh in 2016 was followed by another 0.2 TWh decline in 2017, underscoring the need to rebuild and diversify Syria’s low-carbon electricity supply.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade