Electricity in Syria in 2022
As of 2022, the majority of electricity consumption in Syria is heavily reliant on fossil energy, which accounts for more than 95% of the country's total electricity generation. Specifically, gas makes up just over 38% of this fossil-based energy. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources contribute a modest portion of less than 5% to the electricity mix, with almost all of it coming from hydropower, which contributes almost 4%. This composition highlights Syria's significant dependence on fossil fuels, which poses concerns for both climate change and localized air pollution, making a strong case for increasing the share of clean energy sources to create a more sustainable and secure energy future.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Syria?
When examining the broader trends in Syria's electricity consumption, the data clearly signals a worrying decline. As of the latest numbers in 2022, electricity consumption per person is 894 kWh, which represents a sharp decrease from the year 2010 record of 2064 kWh per person, marking a reduction of 1170 kWh. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a significant drop; previously, in 1984, it stood at 322 kWh per person, yet by 2022 it fell drastically to just 39 kWh per person, a concerning decrease of 283 kWh. This decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation is not only alarming but also stands as a reminder of the urgent need for strategic efforts and investment to reverse this trend and ensure a stable and clean electric supply for the future.
Suggestions
To propel Syria's low-carbon electricity generation forward, learning from successful regions is essential. Adopting solar and wind energy, as seen in countries like Greece and Lebanon, where solar accounts for over 20% and 30% respectively, can significantly contribute to Syria's clean energy goals. Additionally, nuclear energy could serve as a backbone for Syria's electricity generation, following the footsteps of nations like Armenia, where nuclear provides 33% of their electricity. Furthermore, regional exemplars like France and Ukraine show that a robust nuclear infrastructure can lead to a strong backbone for clean energy. Incorporating these clean energy solutions can help Syria reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, mitigate climate-related risks, and provide a stable electricity supply for its population.
History
In the early 1980s, Syria experienced modest growth in low-carbon electricity generation, primarily driven by hydropower, with increases like the 0.5 TWh boost in 1984. However, the trend was shaky, with occasional reductions such as a decrease of 0.5 TWh in 1986. The start of the 21st century saw some advancements around 2000 with increases in hydro generation, though this momentum did not last. The period from 2002 to 2015 experienced notable declines, among them a substantial reduction of 1.9 TWh in 2015. The instability of hydropower generation in the past decades emphasizes the need for a diversified low-carbon energy approach, including stable sources like nuclear and solar, to ensure consistent and reliable growth in clean electricity.
