Damascus: Syria's electricity infrastructure has suffered damage amounting to $35 billion during the nearly 14-year civil war, as stated by Electricity Minister Omar Shaqrouq. The extensive damage highlights the critical condition of the nation's power grid amidst ongoing conflict.

According to Anadolu Agency, Shaqrouq shared with reporters that a comprehensive five-year plan has been devised to repair and enhance the grid. The ministry estimates needing $39 billion to implement this plan by 2030. Upon taking office, the current government inherited a severely compromised power grid, providing households with only two hours of electricity per day. Efforts are underway to improve this dire situation.

The government has set a target to increase electricity availability to eight hours daily. However, providing uninterrupted power would necessitate 23 million cubic meters of gas and 5,000 tons of fuel daily. Shaqrouq highlighted that electricity services could see improvement if Syria gains access to oil and natural gas reserves in the north, areas presently occupied by the PKK/YPG.

Challenges such as theft continue to impede restoration efforts, despite plans to repair power lines across the nation. Nevertheless, the government has managed to restore some power lines and is working towards providing 24-hour electricity to industrial regions. Additionally, plans are in place to generate 1,000 megawatts of electricity from solar and wind energy projects in the initial year.

A proposal regarding new electricity tariffs has been submitted to the government, with a focus on ensuring fair distribution of electricity as one of the ministry's priorities. Meanwhile, Bashar Assad, Syria's leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on December 8, marking the end of the Baath Party regime that had been in power since 1963.