Syria Signs $7 Billion Energy Deal with US, Qatar, and Turkey Consortium

Syria has signed a $7 billion energy agreement with a consortium of companies from the United States, Qatar, and Turkey aimed at restoring its war-torn energy sector. The deal was inked at the presidential palace in Damascus in the presence of interim president Ahmed al-Sar and U.S. special envoy for Syria, Thomas Barak. According to Syrian authorities, the project aims to generate 5,000 megawatts, covering approximately 50% of the country’s electricity needs. This marks a ‘historic moment’ and turning point for Syrian infrastructure damaged by nearly 14 years of conflict, said Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Basir. Led by Qatar’s UCC Concession Investments, the consortium includes Turkish firms Kalyon GES Enerji Yatirimlari and Cengiz Enerji, as well as Power International USA. Chronic power outages in Syria can last up to 20 hours daily. The agreement involves constructing four natural gas production plants in central and eastern Syria, along with a 1,000-megawatt solar park in the south. Al-Basir noted that the plants will use American and European technologies. Ramez al-Hajjyat, president and chief advisor of UCC, stated that the deal would create over 50,000 direct and 250,000 indirect jobs.