Where does Syria get its electricity?

Where does Syria get its electricity?

• Syria’s electricity primarily comes from thermal power plants running on oil and natural gas, hydroelectric dams on the Euphrates and other rivers, and imports from neighboring countries.
• Years of conflict have damaged domestic fuel production and grid infrastructure, making conventional power supply unreliable.
• Renewable energy—especially solar—is rapidly gaining traction as a stable, cost-effective alternative.
• Lento provides end-to-end solar solutions tailored to Syria’s climate and grid challenges, helping homes and businesses cut costs and secure reliable power.

Introduction

Electricity fuels every modern convenience—from lighting and refrigeration to industrial production and medical equipment. In Syria, however, securing that electricity can be a complex puzzle. Decades of conflict have not only strained the national grid but also disrupted domestic fuel extraction and refinery operations. As a result, Syrian households and businesses must navigate an energy landscape where grid power is subsidized but erratic, generator backup is costly, and imports come with geopolitical risks.

This article explores where Syria gets its electricity, unpacks the challenges facing the power sector, and highlights why renewables—and solar in particular—are emerging as a game-changer. We’ll also introduce Lento’s suite of solar products and services, designed to deliver reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly energy solutions across Syria.

1. Primary Sources of Electricity in Syria

A. Thermal Power Plants

• Overview: The backbone of Syria’s power generation relies on thermal (fossil-fuel) plants.
• Key Facilities: Major plants include Jandar, Tishreen, and Banias, each historically contributing significant megawatt-level outputs.
• Fuel Mix: These plants run on a blend of domestically produced oil and natural gas. While Syria has reserves of both, conflict has disrupted extraction, transportation, and refinery operations.
• Current Status: Reduced fuel availability and aging equipment have crippled generation capacity, forcing many plants to operate well below their design output.

B. Hydroelectric Dams

• Euphrates (Tabqa) Dam: The largest hydroelectric installation on the Euphrates River, instrumental in flood control and irrigation as well as power generation.
• Baath and Tishrin Dams: Supplementary hydropower sources that together account for a sizable—but variable—share of Syria’s electricity mix.
• Seasonal Variability: Hydropower depends on river flow and reservoir levels, which have declined due to drought, upstream water management, and climate change.

C. Imported Electricity

• Neighboring Suppliers: To fill the gap, Syria imports electricity—mainly from Iran and Lebanon.
• Cost & Reliability: While imports provide critical backup, they come at higher rates and can be subject to political fluctuations or infrastructure limitations across borders.

2. Challenges Facing Syria’s Electricity Sector

2.1 Infrastructure Damage

Years of conflict have left transmission lines, substations, and distribution networks in disrepair. Repairing or replacing miles of damaged cable is a monumental, ongoing expense for the Ministry of Electricity.

2.2 Fuel Shortages

Domestic oil and gas fields have suffered from both under-investment and security issues, leading to intermittent fuel supplies. Even when available, transporting fuel to power plants can be hindered by damaged roads or checkpoints.

2.3 High Transmission Losses

Long distances between generation sites (often in the east or near oil fields) and consumption centers (like Damascus or Aleppo) result in losses of up to 20% of generated power—far above international norms.

2.4 Unpredictable Power Supply

Frequent blackouts and voltage fluctuations compromise sensitive electronics, disrupt business operations, and diminish quality of life.

2.5 Rising Operational Costs

Although consumer tariffs remain low thanks to subsidies, the true operational costs of generation, maintenance, and repair far exceed what most customers pay—forcing the government to shoulder the deficit or pass it on via increased taxes and fees.

3. The Growing Role of Renewable Energy in Syria

Given these systemic challenges, Syrians are increasingly turning to renewable energy, with solar power at the forefront.

• Abundant Sunlight: Syria receives over 1,900 kWh/m² of solar irradiance annually—more than enough to justify rooftop and ground-mounted systems.
• Predictable Output: Unlike fuel imports or hydroelectric flows, solar irradiation is highly predictable season-to-season.
• Reduced Operational Costs: After installation, solar systems have near-zero fuel costs and minimal maintenance needs.
• Resilience: A solar array with battery storage can keep critical loads running through grid outages, ensuring uninterrupted power for homes, clinics, and businesses.

4. Why Lento Solar Solutions Are Ideal for Syria

As a global leader in solar technology, Lento delivers tailored solutions built for Syria’s unique climate and energy needs:

5. Benefits of Switching to Lento Solar Systems

1. Substantial Cost Savings
   • Slash your monthly bills by up to 80% by offsetting grid power with solar generation.
   • Lock in electricity costs today—no more fuel price shocks or subsidy cuts.
2. Uninterrupted Power Supply
   • Navigate grid outages and generator downtime with seamless battery backup.
   • Protect sensitive electronics from voltage spikes and drops.
3. Fast Return on Investment
   • Typical payback periods in Syria range from 4–7 years, after which your system delivers free electricity for 20+ more years.
4. Environmental Stewardship
   • Reduce carbon dioxide emissions and local air pollutants from diesel generators.
   • Contribute to Syria’s long-term sustainability goals and global climate commitments.
5. Energy Independence
   • Gain control over your energy production and consumption.
   • Avoid geopolitical risks associated with imported fuel and electricity.

6. How to Get Started with Lento

1. Complimentary Energy Audit
   • Our local experts evaluate your roof orientation, shading patterns, and current usage.
2. Customized System Design
   • Receive a tailored proposal outlining system size, expected output, and financial projections.
3. Professional Installation
   • Certified Lento technicians manage permits, mounting, wiring, and commissioning—hassle-free.
4. Ongoing Support & Maintenance
   • Benefit from a 10-year product warranty, annual performance checks, and a dedicated customer portal for remote monitoring.
5. Financing Options
   • Flexible payment plans, leasing solutions, and partnerships with local banks make solar accessible to all.

Conclusion – Powering Syria’s Future

Syria’s energy story is one of resilience in the face of adversity. While thermal plants, dams, and imports currently fill the gap, their vulnerabilities underscore the urgency of embracing renewables. For households, businesses, and critical infrastructure alike, solar energy represents not only a cost-effective solution but also a pathway to energy security and environmental stewardship.

Lento stands ready to partner with you on this journey. With high-efficiency panels, intelligent inverters, robust battery storage, and expert support, we deliver turnkey solar solutions that transform Syria’s abundant sunshine into reliable, affordable power.

Ready to take control of your energy future?
Contact Lento today for a free consultation and discover how solar power can slash your bills, safeguard your operations, and help build a brighter, more sustainable Syria.