Qatar Launches Natural Gas Supply to Alleviate Syria’s Electricity Crisis

Qatar has initiated the supply of natural gas to Syria through Jordan to address the country’s critical electricity shortages. This agreement, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, provides an initial 400 megawatts of electricity daily to Syrian cities. The initiative reflects a commitment to meet the energy needs of the Syrian population amid ongoing challenges in the region.

Qatar has commenced the provision of natural gas to Syria via Jordan, with the primary aim of addressing the nation’s significant electricity deficit and chronic power outages, as reported by the state news agency, QNA. This initiative is framed within an agreement established in cooperation with Jordan and the United Nations Development Programme.

Under the terms of this agreement, Qatar is set to supply natural gas that will generate up to 400 megawatts of electricity daily, with plans for gradual production increases at the Deir Ali power plant in Syria. The electricity produced will be distributed throughout several cities, including Damascus, Rif Dimashq, As Suwayda, Daraa, Al Qunaitra, Homs, Hama, Tartous, Latakia, Aleppo, and Deir ez-Zur.

Fahad Hamad Hassan Al-Sulaiti, the head of the Qatar Fund for Development, remarked, “This initiative represents a pivotal step towards meeting the Syrian people’s energy needs and reflects a shared commitment among all parties to work together for the benefit of the region.” The interim authorities in Syria have faced significant challenges in supplying electricity since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December, amid extensive damages inflicted upon the nation’s infrastructure over more than a decade of civil conflict.

Previously, Syria relied heavily on oil imports from Iran for power generation; however, such supplies have been substantially curtailed following the political shift after al-Assad’s removal.

In summary, Qatar’s initiative to supply natural gas to Syria represents a crucial step towards alleviating the significant electricity shortages faced by the country. This effort, facilitated through Jordan and in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, aims to restore energy infrastructure in major Syrian cities and demonstrates a collaborative commitment to regional stability and support for the Syrian populace.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com