Turkey is set to export six million cubic meters of natural gas daily to Syria, a significant development aimed at bolstering the war-torn country's electricity production. Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, made this announcement on May 9, 2025, during an interview with CNN Türk. He indicated that the natural gas, which is expected to total around two billion cubic meters annually, will be instrumental in generating electricity within Syria.
Construction of the necessary underground pipeline has already commenced in Syrian territory, facilitating the transfer of gas from the Turkish province of Kilis to the Syrian city of Aleppo. Bayraktar stated, "This gas will be used in the power plant in Aleppo, and we aim to start pumping gas within three months." This initiative marks a crucial step in addressing Syria's dire energy needs, which have been exacerbated by over a decade of conflict.
The ongoing war has severely damaged Syria's electricity infrastructure, leading to prolonged power outages across many regions. Minister Bayraktar emphasized Turkey's commitment to assisting in the restoration of normalcy in Syria, highlighting that the country has faced significant challenges due to the continuous conflict.
In addition to the natural gas exports, Turkey has also begun supplying electricity to Syria. Currently, around 200 megawatts of electricity is being provided to Aleppo, further supporting the reconstruction efforts in the region. Bayraktar noted that Turkey's priority is to contribute to revitalizing life in Syria, which has suffered extensive damage due to the ongoing war.
During a meeting in Istanbul on May 1, 2025, Bayraktar met with Syrian Minister of Electricity, Muhammad Bashir, to discuss cooperation in the energy sector. This meeting took place ahead of the Natural Resources Summit, which serves as a platform for decision-makers and experts in the field of energy. Both ministers underscored the importance of establishing a gas pipeline between Turkey and Syria to enhance energy security in the region.
Bayraktar pointed out that the Turkish government has made rapid progress in the project, with the gas pipeline already reaching the Syrian border. He expressed optimism about the timeline for the gas flow, which is expected to commence shortly.
Minister Bashir also announced plans for a new power line with a capacity of 400 megawatts that will connect Syria with Turkey, aiming to improve electricity supply in northern Syria. This development is part of broader efforts to restore and enhance the energy infrastructure in the country.
The collaboration between Turkey and Syria in the energy sector is seen as a vital lifeline for the Syrian Arab Republic, especially as the country works to recover from years of war. The Syrian Embassy in Qatar has also called on the international community to support these initiatives, highlighting the critical need for energy resources.
As the situation in Syria evolves, the cooperation between Turkey and Syria could pave the way for further investments in the energy sector, with discussions ongoing about renewable energy projects and joint investments in infrastructure.
In summary, Turkey's plan to export natural gas to Syria represents a significant effort to address the energy crisis in the region. With the ongoing construction of the pipeline and the provision of electricity, the two countries are taking essential steps toward rebuilding Syria's energy infrastructure and supporting its recovery.
