The Solar Energy In Syria

Due to the war, destruction of the energy sector, and control of fossil fuel resources, Syria is facing tough times in fulfilling the demand for electricity. Syria was an electrified nation right before the outbreak of war in 2011 and almost 95% of the nation’s homes had been connected to a reliable grid system. But the war and the damage to infrastructure over a period of a decade have changed everything.

Power stations were destroyed and the Syrians are pushed to rely on expensive diesel generators to power up their needs. Now there is a ray of hope in the nation in the form of solar power. Most find solar panels as the cost-effective and reliable option.

Energy Crisis Plunges Syria To Darkness

Because of the years of war of more than a decade and deficiency, there is the worst fuel crisis faced by the nation. The extended electricity hours made Syria fall into darkness and the nation encountered a constant black-out in most areas. The electricity situation has become complicated and chaotic and people are left only with the choice of using costly diesel generators available in the black market, which were too expensive to buy.

The energy crisis which has been increasing since 2012 clearly indicated that the nation was unable to secure sufficient energy. Three mechanisms are being adopted by the government to have control over energy distribution:

1. Reducing the supply and quotas given to institutions and individuals
2. Increasing official and unofficial prices of oil derivatives
3. Having control over the distribution mechanisms and dates

Among surveyed households, access to electricity has been ranked as the top third highest priority for the people. The fuel shortages and widespread power cuts have impacted majorly of almost all sectors.

Right before the war, Syria was producing 380,000 barrels, in a day. But as the major oil fields of the country (in the east) lie under the control of US-backed Kurdish forces, production has collapsed.

The crisis has affected the important sectors of Syria and the living conditions of Syrians have worsened. Some of the areas receive as little as 15 minutes of power supply in 24 hours. Protestations are going on against the widening fuel shortages and worsening economic situation.

2022 has become the worst ever year, fuel costs are going up and even not available at all, factories are shut due to non-operation and classes are canceled in universities.

The lack of power has collapsed the entire of Syria – healthcare, industries, water systems, and schooling. People are exhausted without electricity.

Solar Energy – The Right Choice For War-Ravaged Syria

In Syria, where fuel prices are going up and are unreliable, the eyes are focusing on solar energy as the best possible alternative to highly-expensive diesel generators.

It’s true that the nation has not made broad steps that empower it to be fully capable, yet, some significant solar projects are already in progress and many more are expected in the upcoming days. Solar power is the only viable solution to the existing power outages. Switching to solar has been a thought since 2005, however, on a small scale. Now is a very crucial time for Syria where most have realized the need for shifting the attention to solar power.

With constant fuel shortages and prices also soaring, solar panels are recognized among Syrians as the most affordable, efficient, and reliable replacement for diesel generators.

A report obtained from Britain’s University College London implies that 8% of people use solar as the major source of power for their homes. In addition, a third of people utilize solar as a secondary source of power. In fact, solar power seems to be a major source across the Middle East.

Promising Solar Projects – Solar Boom in Syria

In the war-torn nation of Syria, solar power has emerged as a promising solution that offers citizens clean energy. There were numerous projects implemented in Syria, covering the southern province of Sweida and the northwestern province of Tartous. The government is also encouraging the investors in solar power with all facilitations required for solar panel installations.

• SRTF has begun the civil and construction works for a renewable solar energy system project in Northern Aleppo. Having an estimated budget of EUR 1.8 million, nearly 165,000 individuals will get direct benefits from this project.
• SRTF also has approved two new solar projects which are intended to improve healthcare services in Northwest and northeast Syria. This EUR 1,35 million worth of project will benefit 462,150 directly and indirectly 968,064.
• The Ministry of Electricity of the nation has signed up for developing a 300 MW solar power plant with unidentified companies from the UAE.
• Bashar al-Assad, Syrian President has already launched the first phase of a solar PV energy project in Adra. It has been aimed to produce up to 2000 megawatts of electricity from solar energy, with the target to achieve before 2030.

Solar power generation is becoming much more popular in Syria. With support being received from all across the world, solar power is lighting up the energy requirements of Syria.