In a significant development in energy cooperation, Turkey announced plans to export six million cubic meters of natural gas daily to Syria. Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, revealed this initiative during an interview with CNN Türk on May 9, 2025. The gas, expected to total around two billion cubic meters annually, will be utilized for electricity production in Syria, specifically aimed at bolstering the power supply in the war-torn nation.
Bayraktar explained that infrastructure work for the natural gas pipeline has commenced in southern Syria. The gas will be transported from the Turkish province of Kilis to the Syrian city of Aleppo, where it will be used in the Aleppo power plant. The Turkish minister expressed optimism about the project, stating, "We aim to start the flow within three months." He emphasized that this pipeline will provide much-needed fuel for electricity generation in the region.
In addition to natural gas, Turkey is also working on supplying electricity to Syria. Reports indicate that Aleppo is currently receiving approximately 200 megawatts of electricity from Turkey. Bayraktar underscored Turkey's commitment to contributing to the restoration of normalcy in Syria, highlighting the extensive damage to infrastructure caused by the 13-year civil war.
The agreement to supply natural gas was confirmed by Syrian Minister of Electricity, Muhammad al-Beshir, who stated on social media, "I agreed with my Turkish counterpart to supply Syria with six million cubic meters of gas daily via the Kilis-Aleppo line, which will help increase electricity supply hours and improve energy conditions in Syria." This collaborative effort aims to enhance the living standards of Syrians still grappling with the aftermath of prolonged conflict.
The discussions between the Turkish and Syrian ministers took place during the Natural Resources Summit held in Istanbul at the beginning of May. Bayraktar had previously announced the imminent establishment of a natural gas connection line between Turkey and Syria during this summit, signaling a new chapter in bilateral energy relations.
As part of this energy cooperation, al-Beshir mentioned that a new power line with a capacity of 400 megawatts will soon link Syria to Turkey, further improving electricity supplies in northern Syria. This initiative is seen as vital for addressing the energy crisis in the region, which has been exacerbated by years of war.
Both ministers emphasized the importance of continued coordination and collaboration in energy matters, aiming to serve mutual interests and enhance regional energy security. They expressed a desire to explore new avenues for cooperation in research, development, and technology transfer, which could lead to joint investments in energy infrastructure projects.
The announcement comes at a time when Syria is in desperate need of assistance to restore its energy infrastructure, which has suffered greatly due to the ongoing conflict. With the planned gas exports and electricity supplies, Turkey is positioning itself as a key player in the region's energy landscape, potentially stabilizing the situation in northern Syria.
As the situation evolves, the implications of this energy partnership will be closely monitored by both nations and the international community. The hope is that these initiatives will not only improve energy access for Syrians but also pave the way for broader economic cooperation between Turkey and Syria in the future.
