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Türkiye commenced its first natural gas exports to Syria on Saturday, marking a milestone in regional energy cooperation that could dramatically improve electricity access for millions of Syrians currently facing severe power shortages.
The natural gas, sourced from Azerbaijan, began flowing through the Türkiye-Syria Natural Gas Pipeline via the border city of Kilis into Syria's Aleppo region, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed.
The development represents a significant step in Syria's energy infrastructure reconstruction following years of conflict that left the country with limited electricity supply. Currently, most Syrian households receive only three to four hours of electricity daily.
Ahmed Suleiman, Director of Institutional Communications at Syria's Energy Ministry, said the Azerbaijani gas delivered through Türkiye would substantially increase the country's electricity generation capacity, potentially extending daily electricity access to approximately 10 hours for residents.
The energy cooperation involves a trilateral partnership between Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Qatar, with Qatar providing full financing for the initiative. Minister Bayraktar announced on July 30 that Türkiye would collaborate with both Azerbaijan and Qatar on natural gas exports to Syria.
Türkiye also plans to expand electricity exports to northern Syria, targeting an increase to 280 megawatts through existing transmission lines. The country is working to restore the previously operational Birecik-Aleppo electricity line, which had approximately 500 megawatts of capacity before sustaining damage during Syria's conflict.
The natural gas pipeline from Kilis to Aleppo was completed in May, setting the stage for Saturday's inaugural gas flow. The project aims to deliver 6 million cubic meters of gas, potentially generating 1,200 megawatts of electricity for Syrian communities.
The energy projects have received international support. U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Representative for Syria Tom Barrack expressed satisfaction with the development in a social media post, praising Qatar's financial backing of the initiative.
"We extend our heartfelt thanks to Qatar for fully financing a gas initiative vital to Syria," Barrack wrote. "Starting August 2, Azerbaijani natural gas delivered via Türkiye will provide 800 MW of energy, bringing light to 5 million homes. An important step for relief and stability at a critical moment."
The energy infrastructure reconstruction comes as Syria continues rebuilding efforts following its prolonged conflict. The partial lifting of international sanctions has enabled these cross-border energy projects to move forward.
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