Electricity in Syria in 2022
In 2022, the electricity consumption in Syria was heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with fossil sources like gas generating more than 95% of the electricity. Almost 40% of this reliance was specifically attributed to gas. In stark contrast, low-carbon or clean energy contributed a small share to the overall electricity landscape, being responsible for approximately 4% of total generation. Within this limited low-carbon sector, hydropower was the primary source, accounting for nearly all of the clean energy produced at 4%. This overwhelmingly fossil-dependent electricity system indicates a significant opportunity for Syria to diversify its energy mix by incorporating more low-carbon sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Syria?
The trajectory of electricity consumption in Syria reveals a concerning trend. By 2022, electricity usage per person had decreased to about 894 kWh, a substantial drop from its peak of 2064 kWh in 2010. This decline of 1170 kWh per person from the historical record underscores an unsettling regression in electricity availability and possibly consumption. A similar downward trend is evident in low-carbon electricity generation, which was a mere 39 kWh per person in 2022, a marked decrease from the 322 kWh per person recorded in 1984. This reduction of 283 kWh per person highlights not only a diminishing role for clean energy but also signals an urgent need for strategic enhancements in the country's electricity generation sector.
Suggestions
Syria has the potential to draw valuable lessons from other regions with successful clean energy initiatives. Countries like France, Slovakia, and Ukraine have significantly advanced in nuclear energy, with nuclear power contributing more than half of their electricity generation. Following this example, Syria could greatly expand its nuclear capacity to enhance its low-carbon electricity share. Regions such as Lebanon and Nevada showcase the effectiveness of harnessing solar energy, with solar accounting for around 30% of their electricity. Investing in both nuclear and solar power could effectively transition Syria towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible energy future, reducing its heavy dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity development in Syria provides insights into its fluctuating growth potential over the decades. In the early 1980s, there was a positive trajectory with hydropower experiencing incremental increases, such as a notable 0.5 TWh increase in 1984. However, the subsequent periods reflected instability, with significant reductions in hydropower generation, such as a 1 TWh decrease in 2002 and a further sharp decline of nearly 2 TWh in 2015. These historical patterns of decline illustrate a persistent neglect and underutilization of clean electricity sources. Moving forward, Syria must not only recapture past growth patterns but also vastly expand its current low-carbon capacities to establish a sustainable energy future for its citizens.
