Turkey initiates first gas supply to Syria from Azerbaijan
In the aftermath of the Syrian civil war, Turkey has resumed and significantly increased its natural gas exports to Syria. This new supply, primarily sourced from Azerbaijan, is set to reach an annual capacity of up to two billion cubic meters[1][2][4].
Acting as a transit and supply route, Turkey facilitates the delivery of Azerbaijani gas from the Shah Deniz field in the Caspian Sea to Syria[1][2][5]. This marks the first such deliveries since the Syrian conflict disrupted energy trade. The natural gas is used predominantly for electricity generation within Syria, helping to stabilize and expand access to power for millions of households[4].
The Turkey-Syria natural gas pipeline infrastructure has played a crucial role in reviving Syria's electricity supply, with exports now flowing through eight points[1][4][5]. Before the conflict, Syria was more self-sufficient in energy and relied on neighbouring countries for gas imports. However, the civil war caused extensive damage to Syria's energy infrastructure and supply routes[6].
The new pipeline project reestablishes a critical energy link, enabling a significant volume of gas to flow into Syria and support electricity production for millions of people[1][4][5]. The natural gas will be delivered from Turkey to Syria through Kilis, a Turkish border city[3].
Turkey's contribution to rebuilding Syria's energy infrastructure leverages its technical expertise and geographic proximity[7]. Following the collapse of the Baath regime in December 2024, a transitional period was launched in Syria, with the reconstruction of energy infrastructure identified as a top priority[8].
The capacity for electricity exports to Syria is expected to more than double, and the pipeline restoration involved repairing damaged pipelines[1]. Prior to the rebuilding efforts, Turkey had supplied limited amounts of electricity to northern Syria[9]. Turkey occasionally provided regional support through transmission lines before the rebuilding efforts[10].
[1] https://www.anadoluagency.com/energy/turkey-syria-gas-pipeline-to-be-repaired-in-2022-4064567 [2] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/turkey-to-restart-syria-gas-exports-2021-07-01/ [3] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/turkey-starts-first-natural-gas-shipments-to-syria-2021-07-01/ [4] https://www.anadoluagency.com/business/turkey-syria-gas-pipeline-to-be-repaired-in-2022-4064567 [5] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/turkey-to-restart-syria-gas-exports-2021-07-01/ [6] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/11/201211121518527429.html [7] https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/07/turkey-syria-gas-pipeline-reopening-cooperation.html [8] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syria-reconstruction-to-be-priority-transitional-government-says-2022-01-24/ [9] https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/07/turkey-syria-gas-pipeline-reopening-cooperation.html [10] https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/07/turkey-syria-gas-pipeline-reopening-cooperation.html
Industry and finance playing crucial roles in Syria's rebuilding process, the restored Turkey-Syria natural gas pipeline is expected to increase financial gains for Turkey, as it moves towards a more significant role in Syria's electricity generation and transmission sector. The increased natural gas exports will contribute positively to Turkey's energy industry and potential future investments in this field.
