Qatar to Boost Syria’s Energy Sector with Natural Gas Supply

Qatar is set to provide natural gas to Syria to revitalize its energy sector with US support. This initiative aims to increase electricity supply amidst Syria’s ongoing economic crisis. Efforts to ease sanctions and Turkish interests in energy projects further complicate the region’s geopolitical landscape.

On March 13, a Qatari official announced that Qatar plans to supply natural gas to Syria, aimed at revitalizing the country’s energy sector. Khalifa Abdullah al-Mahmoud al-Sharif, the Qatari Charge d’Affaires in Syria, stated that this initiative will deliver natural gas through Jordan, initially generating 400 megawatts of electricity with plans for gradual escalation. This initiative is reportedly supported by the United States and has received Washington’s approval.

Syria’s ongoing economic crisis, exacerbated by over ten years of war and sanctions, has necessitated a revival of its energy sector. Ahmad Suleiman, Director of Public Relations at the Syrian Oil Ministry, noted that the ministry has selected companies from several bids for the latest crude oil tender, indicating a readiness to improve the energy supply chain.

In a concurrent move, EU member states have lifted certain sanctions that were imposed during Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This easing of restrictions includes those affecting energy, banking, and transport sectors. Recently, the UK also removed sanctions related to Syria’s central bank, coinciding with a violent anti-government campaign taking place in the country.

Additionally, the Syrian government has entered into an agreement with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which facilitates US oversight of Syria’s oilfields. Plans are in place to transition the SDF into a new military structure, although the logistics of transferring oil and gas wells will require time. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar expressed Turkey’s interest in the energy sector in Syria, citing the potential for oil pipeline projects linking Syria to Turkey and Iraq.

The discussion also revisits the proposed Qatar-Turkey natural gas pipeline from 2009, intended to transport Qatari gas through several regional territories to Europe. This initial proposal was not embraced by Syria’s prior administration, preceding the US and Turkish-involved war that commenced against Syria in 2011.

The announcement of Qatar’s initiative to supply natural gas to Syria marks a significant development amidst the country’s prolonged economic challenges and energy crises. Supported by the United States, this move aims to enhance electricity generation and represents a broader effort to revive Syria’s energy sector. The easing of sanctions by the EU and the UK further indicates shifting geopolitical dynamics, while Turkey’s interest in energy projects underscores the complex interactions in the region as various stakeholders navigate Syria’s recovery.

Original Source: thecradle.co