The World Bank’s board of executive directors has sanctioned a grant to strengthen Syria’s power sector.
A $146m grant from the International Development Association (IDA) aims to revitalise reliable, affordable electricity in war-torn regions, aiding in Syria’s broader economic resurgence.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The country faces an acute energy crisis due to the extensive damage and neglect suffered by its transmission and distribution infrastructure since 2020.
Syria’s protracted conflict has left its national grid severely impaired, with most areas receiving only two to four hours of electricity daily.
This scarcity hampers vital services such as water supply, healthcare, agri-food production and housing development.
The newly announced Syria Electricity Emergency Project (SEEP) will focus on reconstructing high-voltage lines and transformer substations that have been ravaged by conflict.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataKey 400kV interconnector lines linking Jordan and Türkiye are set for repair under SEEP, restoring critical regional connections while also addressing local needs near demand centres heavily populated by refugees returning home or displaced internally.
World Bank middle east division director Jean-Christophe Carret stated: “Among Syria’s urgent reconstruction needs, rehabilitating the electricity sector has emerged as a critical, no-regret investment that can improve the living conditions of the Syrian people, support the return of refugees and the internally displaced, enable resumption of other services such as water services and healthcare for the population and help kickstart economic recovery.
“This project represents the first step in a planned increase in World Bank support to Syria on its path to recovery and development.”
Beyond physical repairs, SEEP extends technical assistance for strategic planning within Syria’s electric sector.
It encompasses policy reform guidance alongside regulatory advice aimed at ensuring medium- to long-term sustainability.
Capacity-building measures are also planned for institutional stakeholders responsible for implementing these strategies.
Overseeing this endeavour is the Public Establishment for Transmission and Distribution of Electricity (PETDE), which will coordinate rehabilitation efforts across various facets of electrical infrastructure.
An international consultancy will be engaged by PETDE to provide multifaceted expertise from engineering services to environmental oversight, and ensure compliance with World Bank standards.
To further ensure transparency and adherence to high operational benchmarks, a third-party monitoring agent will be appointed by the bank.
This entity will enhance fiduciary surveillance along with environmental and social checks while offering expanded implementation support designed to fortify overall project management capabilities within PETDE.
