Aleppo’s Northern Countryside Sees Hope for Improved Electricity Supply with New Investment
Residents of Northern Aleppo may soon experience fewer power outages thanks to a new investment contract aimed at revitalizing the region’s dilapidated electrical infrastructure. the General Electricity Company in Aleppo Governorate has partnered with the Syrian-Turkish Electricity company (STE) to rehabilitate and operate key electrical networks.
Details of the Aleppo Electricity improvement Project
The agreement,structured as a “rehabilitation,Operation,Transfer of Ownership” (ROT) contract,focuses on upgrading the electricity supply network across Aleppo’s northern countryside. this includes connecting essential electrical stations serving Tal Rifaat, Nubl, Haritan, and the electrical institute located on the Aleppo-Gaziantep highway. This project directly addresses the persistent electricity problems plaguing the region.
Mahmoud Al-Ahmad, General Director of the Electricity Company, confirmed that the project encompasses the repair of electrical infrastructure, including networks and distribution centers operating at voltages of “66/20/0.4 k.v”. The STE will manage these networks for six years, after which ownership will revert to the government.
Scope and Timeline for Electricity Restoration
The project spans areas in northern Aleppo’s countryside supplied by the Haraitan, tal Shock, Electricity Institute, and Nubl stations, falling within the administrative reach of the haraitan and Talks regions, and extending to Kafr Hamra. The private company is committed to restoring electricity to major cities within six months and extending service to all areas within two years.
Al-Ahmad emphasized the ministry’s commitment to securing electricity through all feasible means, prioritizing Aleppo and it’s surrounding areas. Government support includes the rehabilitation of electrical stations, a responsibility under the signed contract.
Background: Collapsed Infrastructure and Power Shortages
The initiative arrives amidst severe electricity shortages across Aleppo. More than half the governorate experiences recurring outages, notably in the northern, western, and southern countryside, and in eastern neighborhoods largely unrepaired as 2017. Approximately 70% of the electrical infrastructure in eastern neighborhoods is damaged, hindering maintenance.
Syria’s electricity generation capacity is currently between 1200 and 1300 megawatts, a significant drop from the pre-2012 capacity of 9000 megawatts. Fuel and gas shortages,coupled with the deterioration of generation stations and transmission networks,have resulted in severe power rationing.
Did You Know? Before the Syrian conflict, Syria aimed to become a regional energy hub, leveraging its geographical location and resources.However, the war severely hampered these ambitions, causing significant damage to its energy infrastructure.
past Protests and Concerns About Electricity Costs
STE, a Syrian-turkish joint venture, previously worked on supplying electricity from Turkey to northwestern syria before the Syrian regime’s fall. However,the company’s activities and partnership contracts with local authorities faced protests over concerns about reliance on external electricity sources and rising service costs.
Pro Tip: check your local government’s website for updates on energy-saving initiatives and potential rebates for energy-efficient appliances.
Multi-Billion Dollar Investments in Syria’s Energy Sector
The Syrian Ministry of energy signed a memorandum of understanding with UCC Concession Investments to boost investment in the energy sector, totaling seven billion US dollars. The Qatari company UCC Concession, along with Turkish companies Kalyon GES Enerji Yatirimlari and Cengiz Enerji, and the American company Power International USA, will play key roles.
Energy Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir stated at the signing event that this investment would help generate five thousand megawatts, significantly increasing electricity supply and affecting all aspects of life.
The agreement includes developing four gas turbine power generation stations using combined cycle (CCGT) technology in Deir Ezzor,Mhardeh,Zeyzoun in Hama countryside,and trifawi in Homs countryside. These stations will have a total generation capacity of approximately 4000 megawatts, utilizing American and European technologies, along with a 1000-megawatt solar power station in Wadi al-Rabi in southern Syria.
What are your thoughts on private companies investing in public infrastructure? How do you think this will affect the local economy?
Understanding the Electricity Crisis in Syria
The Syrian electricity sector has been devastated by years of conflict, economic sanctions, and mismanagement. Before the war, Syria had a relatively well-developed electricity infrastructure that met most of the population’s needs. However, the war led to widespread destruction of power plants, transmission lines, and distribution networks.
Fuel shortages, resulting from sanctions and disrupted supply chains, have also severely hampered electricity generation. The lack of maintenance and skilled personnel further compounds the problem, making it difficult to repair and upgrade existing infrastructure.
Comparative Analysis of Electricity Access in Conflict Zones
| Country | Electricity Access Rate (2023 est.) | Key Challenges | Recovery Initiatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syria | Less than 50% | Infrastructure damage, fuel shortages, lack of investment | International aid, private sector investment |
| Yemen | Around 40% | Ongoing conflict, infrastructure destruction | Emergency power projects |
| Iraq | Approximately 80% | ISIS insurgency, infrastructure damage, corruption | Reconstruction efforts, new power plants |
Frequently Asked Questions About Electricity in Aleppo
- What is the aim of the Aleppo electricity project? The project aims to improve the electricity supply network in the northern countryside of Aleppo by rehabilitating and connecting key electrical stations.
- How long will it take to restore electricity in Aleppo? The company commits to supplying electricity to main cities within six months and to all areas within two years.
- Who is STE working with on the electricity project? STE (Syrian-Turkish Electricity Company) is partnering with the general Electricity Company in Aleppo Governorate.
- What areas will benefit from the electricity upgrades? The project covers areas supplied by the Haraitan, Tal Shock, Electricity Institute, and Nubl stations, extending to Kafr Hamra.
- What challenges does Aleppo face in providing electricity? Challenges include damaged infrastructure, fuel shortages, and a reduced workforce at the Aleppo Electricity Company.
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