Algeria has stepped forward to assist Syria in overhauling its crippled electricity sector, unveiling a bilateral initiative that includes technical support, infrastructure planning, and capacity building.
The move was confirmed by Algeria’s Ministry of Energy and Mining following a high-level phone discussion between Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab and Syria’s Minister of Electricity, Mohammed al-Bashir. The two ministers outlined a shared commitment to rebuilding Syria’s damaged power grid while charting a broader course for long-term energy cooperation.
As part of the agreement, Algeria will dispatch a specialized team from Sonelgaz, the state-owned electricity and gas utility, to assess Syria’s power generation and distribution systems. The delegation will carry out a field study to identify operational gaps and design a targeted recovery plan covering electricity production, transmission infrastructure, and technical maintenance.
Algeria is also opening the doors of its training centers to Syrian professionals. Engineers and technicians will be hosted at Sonelgaz’s institutes to receive advanced instruction in power systems and natural gas technologies. The initiative aims to boost Syria’s technical workforce and foster institutional exchange.
The two countries agreed to widen their energy partnership to include hydrocarbons, mining, and renewable energy. Both sides emphasized the need to transform diplomatic ties into actionable projects, with more expert exchanges and visits scheduled in the coming months.
Syria’s electricity sector, already battered by years of conflict, faces critical fuel shortages and a scarcity of spare parts, worsened by sanctions. Current power output stands at around 1,500 megawatts—far below the estimated 7,000 megawatts needed to serve the country’s basic electricity demands.
For Algeria, the partnership reaffirms its role as a regional energy player willing to contribute technical expertise to support post-conflict reconstruction and deepen South-South cooperation.