What happens if a power station in Syria doesn't meet demand?

As of 2024 generation by power stations in Syria cannot meet demand, resulting in power cuts and air pollution from small diesel generators. The Ministry of Electricity aims to increase generating capacity to 12 GW by 2030.

What happened to Syria's electricity infrastructure before the 2011 conflict?

"Before the 2011 conflict, Syria's electricity infrastructure was barely functional. There were high production and transmission losses with frequent load shedding, especially in the summer. Syria had poor structural and performance indicators: power losses stood at nearly 26% and there were 43 days of power outage per year.

How much damage has the Syrian electricity sector suffered over the war?

In a recent interview, Syrian Minister of Electricity Ghassan al-Zamel detailed the extensive damage that the electricity sector has endured over the thirteen-year war, estimating direct losses at $40 billion and indirect losses exceeding $80 billion.

Should subsidies be removed from Syria's electricity sector?

With 90% of Syrians below the poverty line, any removal of subsidies would be gradual, said Samer Dahy, an electricity sector researcher for the Lebanese Institute for Market Studies. Yet some investors see scope for undercutting the price of current makeshift substitutes, such as private generators.

Why does Syria have a power shortage?

The destruction of electrical infrastructure and transmission lines has incapacitated more than 50 percent of Syria’s electrical grid. Compounding the problem is the severe shortage of gas and fuel required to operate power plants.

Will Syria's infrastructure be rebuilt?

As the new leadership embarks on this monumental task, the rebuilding of Syria’s infrastructure will serve as a cornerstone of its transition from a war-torn nation to a thriving, resilient state. Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian-American political scientist.