Qatar has begun supplying natural gas to Syria via Jordan, providing 400 megawatts of electricity daily to aid in alleviating the country’s energy crisis. This initiative, formed in collaboration with Jordan and the UN Development Programme, aims to increase power generation and distribution to several major cities in Syria as part of a broader commitment to regional development.
Qatar has initiated the supply of natural gas to Syria through Jordan, addressing the country’s ongoing electricity shortages and power cuts. This effort comes at a critical time as Syrian authorities have struggled to maintain reliable power generation. According to the state news agency QNA, the initiative is part of a collaborative agreement with Jordan and the United Nations Development Programme.
Under the deal, Qatar will provide natural gas with the capacity to generate 400 megawatts of electricity daily. There is also a commitment to gradually increase production at the Deir Ali power plant located in Syria. The electricity generated will benefit multiple cities, which include Damascus, Rif Dimashq, As Suwayda, Daraa, Al Qunaitra, Homs, Hama, Tartous, Latakia, Aleppo, and Deir ez-Zur.
Fahad Hamad Hassan Al-Sulaiti, head of the Qatar Fund for Development, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it is a significant step in meeting the energy needs of the Syrian populace. He highlighted the collaborative spirit this project embodies among all parties involved, aiming for regional benefit.
Since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December, Syria’s interim authorities have faced considerable challenges in providing electricity to civilians. Much of the country’s energy infrastructure has suffered severe damage due to over 13 years of civil war, complicating restoration efforts. Previously, Damascus relied heavily on oil imports from Iran for power generation, but these supplies ceased following the regime change.
The collaboration between Qatar, Jordan, and the United Nations aims to alleviate Syria’s pressing energy crisis by supplying natural gas and generating electricity. With a planned output of 400 megawatts daily, the initiative not only seeks to improve power availability in various Syrian cities but also represents a collective commitment to regional stability and support amidst ongoing challenges stemming from civil conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
