Azerbaijanian gas reaching Syria
The much-anticipated Azerbaijan-Syria gas pipeline via Turkey became operational on August 2, 2025, marking a significant milestone in regional energy cooperation. The first deliveries of Azerbaijani natural gas to Syria through Turkish territory signalled the launch of a new energy corridor linking Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Syria.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by energy ministers from Syria, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, along with representatives from the Qatar Fund for Development, which is financially supporting the project. The gas flows through a pipeline connecting Kilis in Turkey to Aleppo in Syria, with pipeline repairs completed by May 2025.
The initial flow started at about 745,000 cubic meters per day and is expected to ramp up to around 3.4 million cubic meters per day, generating an additional 750 megawatts of electricity and extending daily electricity supply in Syria by roughly four hours. This gas supply could cover around 10 to 15 percent of Syria's power needs, providing a much-needed boost to the country's energy security.
Syria's energy minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, described the pipeline as a "strategic step" towards improving Syria's energy security, while Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar hailed the launch as a "historic moment". The new Syrian leadership is appealing to the international community for support in rebuilding the country after a decade of civil war.
It is worth noting that Syria already receives gas from Qatar and Russia. However, the new gas supply from Azerbaijan is intended to help meet the country's growing energy needs, particularly in light of the extensive damage to power grids during the conflict. Power outages in Syria have been a common occurrence, with some areas experiencing outages lasting 20 hours or more.
The Azerbaijan-Syria gas pipeline via Turkey addresses Syria’s long-term energy shortages exacerbated by civil war damage to infrastructure and is part of broader reconstruction efforts following political changes in Syria. This regional energy corridor is expected to play a crucial role in Syria's economic recovery and improvement of living conditions for its citizens.
References: [1] Anadolu Agency, 2025. Azerbaijan-Syria gas pipeline starts operations. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/aid/6777308-azerbaijan-syria-gas-pipeline-starts-operations
[2] Reuters, 2025. Azerbaijan's gas to start flowing to Syria via Turkey. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/azerbaijans-gas-start-flowing-syria-via-turkey-2025-08-02/
[3] Sputnik News, 2025. Azerbaijan-Syria Gas Pipeline Begins Operating. [online] Available at: https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/202508021078218059-azerbaijan-syria-gas-pipeline-begins-operating/
[4] Middle East Monitor, 2025. Azerbaijan-Syria gas pipeline begins operations, providing 10-15% of Syria's energy needs. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250802-azerbaijan-syria-gas-pipeline-begins-operations-providing-10-15-of-syrias-energy-needs/
The Commission, acknowledging the importance of matters beyond just energy, has also adopted a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation during the repairs and maintenance of the Azerbaijan-Syria gas pipeline. In the spirit of sportsmanship and regional cooperation, energy ministers from the three countries, along with representatives from Qatar, have discussed potential joint initiatives in the field of sports, aiming to improve the well-being and recreational opportunities of their citizens.
