Energy in Syria

The energy sector in Syria has long played a central role in the country’s economic development, public services, and industrial growth. Before 2011, Syria maintained a balanced energy system built on domestic oil and gas production, an expanding electricity grid, and investments in power generation. The country was once a modest exporter of crude oil and relied on natural gas to supply its power stations and industries. 

However, years of conflict significantly disrupted production, damaged infrastructure, and altered the distribution of energy resources. Despite these challenges, energy remains a vital sector for national stability, reconstruction, and economic recovery, with ongoing efforts focused on restoring capacity and improving access.

Oil and Gas Resources


Syria’s energy landscape has historically been shaped by its oil and gas reserves, primarily located in the eastern and northeastern regions.

Oil Sector

  • Before the conflict, Syria produced around 380,000 barrels per day, supplying both domestic consumption and limited exports.
  • Major oil fields are concentrated in the Deir ez-Zor and Hasakah regions.
  • Production has significantly decreased due to infrastructure damage, reduced access to fields, and shifting territorial control.

Gas Sector

  • Natural gas has been essential for power generation and industrial use.
  • Key gas fields, including those in the Palmyra and Shaer areas, supplied major power stations across the country.
  • Restoring gas production is a priority for improving electricity generation capacity.

Electricity Generation and Distribution

Syria’s electricity sector relies heavily on thermal power plants fueled by natural gas and oil derivatives.

Power Generation

  • Prior to 2011, Syria’s electricity generation capacity exceeded 8,000 MW, supporting households, agriculture, and industry.
  • Many power plants have faced operational disruptions due to fuel shortages, damaged transmission lines, and limited maintenance capacities.
  • Ongoing rehabilitation efforts aim to restore generating units and expand the use of natural gas where possible.

Power Distribution

  • Electricity availability varies widely across regions.
  • Urban centers may experience scheduled outages, while rural and remote areas face longer or more frequent power cuts.
  • The government continues working on repairing the national grid and improving load distribution.

Renewable and Alternative Energy Efforts

In recent years, interest in renewable energy has grown as a response to fuel shortages and rising demand.

  • Solar energy projects, including rooftop installations and small-scale solar farms, are increasingly used to support households and small businesses.
  • Wind energy potential exists in coastal areas, though development remains limited.
  • Expanding renewable energy is seen as a key long-term strategy for stability and cost efficiency.

Challenges Facing the Energy Sector

Syria’s energy sector faces several ongoing challenges:

  • Infrastructure damage to pipelines, wells, power plants, and transmission networks.
  • Fuel shortages affecting transportation, industry, and electricity generation.
  • Technical losses in the grid due to aging systems and limited maintenance.
  • Economic and logistical constraints, making large-scale reconstruction difficult.

Energy remains a critical component of Syria’s economic and social stability. While the sector has endured significant setbacks, ongoing restoration efforts, renewed focus on natural gas, and emerging interest in renewable energy offer pathways toward gradual recovery. 

Strengthening energy infrastructure will be essential for supporting national development, improving public services, and enabling long-term reconstruction across the country.