In a bid to alleviate Syria's critical electricity shortage and enhance living conditions, the State of Qatar, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has announced plans to supply reliable natural gas to Syria. This support will be channeled through Jordan in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The initiative forms part of a key agreement signed by the Qatar Fund for Development, allocating US$63.75 million in financing to Jordan's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. UNDP will provide operational support as needed to ensure the gas reaches Syria's Deir Ali power plant efficiently, promoting energy production while safeguarding environmental sustainability.

Mr. Fahad bin Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development, highlighted the initiative's significance in fostering regional solidarity and supporting sustainable development. He stated, "This initiative represents a vital step toward fulfilling Syria's energy requirements and reflects a shared commitment to advancing regional stability. The Fund will continue to address the urgent needs of the Syrian people and support their resilience to ensure a brighter, more stable future."

Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Arab States, acknowledged Qatar's contribution and stressed the essential role of the electricity sector in Syria's recovery. He emphasized that the restoration of power infrastructure is crucial for delivering basic services and fostering economic revival and social stability. "Limited electricity access severely impacts millions of Syrians, making it harder to meet basic needs and deepening vulnerabilities," Dr. Al Dardari said. "Qatar's timely intervention is invaluable, and we urge other partners to join in restoring Syria's energy sector to prevent its collapse."

Over the course of 50 days, the initiative will supply natural gas to generate 400 megawatts of electricity daily at the Deir Ali plant. This additional energy will improve access to essential services across key Syrian cities, including Damascus, Rural Damascus, As Suwayda, Daraa, Al Qunaitra, Homs, Hama, Tartus, Lattakia, Aleppo, and Deir ez-Zour. The effort aims to stabilize communities, improve public services, and support overall recovery.

Qatar's commitment underscores its dedication to humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Syria. With Syria's electricity sector severely impacted by 14 years of conflict, economic decline, and maintenance failures, this support is critical. Between 2010 and 2024, Syria's power generation capacity fell from 5,800 MW to just 2,000 MW, dropping further to 1,200 – 1,500 MW in early 2025. This energy crisis has strained essential sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and WASH services, posing significant humanitarian and environmental risks. Qatar's initiative offers a vital step toward stabilizing these systems and improving the quality of life for millions in Syria.