Turkey initiates initial natural gas deliveries to Syria via Azerbaijan pipeline
Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Qatar have joined forces in a significant energy initiative aimed at substantially increasing Syria's electricity generation capacity. This collaboration is a crucial step in Syria's energy infrastructure reconstruction following years of conflict.
On July 30, Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced Turkey's collaboration with both Azerbaijan and Qatar on natural gas exports to Syria. The natural gas pipeline from Kilis to Aleppo, completed in May, is set to deliver 6 million cubic meters of gas, potentially generating 1,200 megawatts of electricity.
The gas flows through the Turkey-Syria Natural Gas Pipeline and began flowing via the border city of Kilis into Syria's Aleppo region on Saturday. Qatar provides full financing for the initiative, which will provide 800 MW of energy, benefiting 5 million homes in Syria, according to US Ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack.
The energy cooperation has received international support, including from the US. Barrack wrote on social media that Qatar's funding of the initiative will provide 800 MW of energy, benefiting 5 million homes in Syria.
The natural gas is sourced from Azerbaijan, and the trilateral partnership involves a swap agreement enabling Turkey to supply natural gas to Syria that originates from Azerbaijan. The gas supply allows Syria to produce an additional 750 megawatts of electricity, increasing electricity availability by about four extra hours daily and potentially powering around 1.6 million households.
Turkey is also working to restore the Birecik-Aleppo electricity line, which had approximately 500 megawatts of capacity before damage. Once operational, the total electricity supply from Turkey to Syria could reach nearly 900 megawatts, complementing the natural gas pipeline efforts.
This partnership represents a strategic energy corridor that strengthens regional cooperation, supports Syria's energy security, and helps rebuild critical services and economic activity after years of conflict. The extended electricity access could potentially reach approximately 10 hours daily for residents. Türkiye plans to increase electricity exports to northern Syria to 280 megawatts.
In summary, the trilateral energy cooperation between Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Qatar aims to bring relief and stability to Syria at a critical moment by substantially increasing its electricity generation capacity. The project was marked by a ceremony in Kilis attended by energy ministers from the three countries and representatives of the Qatar Fund for Development.
[1] The New York Times [2] BBC News [3] Reuters [4] Al Jazeera [5] The Guardian
- The Turkey-Syria Natural Gas Pipeline, financed by Qatar, delivers gas from Azerbaijan and generates 1,200 megawatts of electricity in Syria, potentially powering nearly 1.6 million households.
- Turkey is also working on restoring the Birecik-Aleppo electricity line, which could potentially provide an additional 280 megawatts to northern Syria and increase electricity access for residents up to approximately 10 hours daily.
