Qatar plans to provide natural gas to Syria to help improve its energy sector, with U.S. support. The initiative follows years of conflict and sanctions and is coupled with recent relaxations of sanctions by the EU and the UK. Turkey may also engage in projects to enhance Syria’s energy infrastructure.
On March 13, a Qatari official announced plans to enhance Syria’s energy sector through natural gas supplies. Khalifa Abdullah al-Mahmoud al-Sharif, the Qatari Charge d’Affaires in Syria, highlighted an initiative from the Qatar Fund for Development. This initiative aims to provide natural gas via Jordan to help generate electricity, starting with 400 megawatts and gradually increasing.
Reports by Reuters indicate that this initiative is supported by the United States, as confirmed by a U.S. official stating that the plan has received Washington’s approval. The timing comes as Syria grapples with significant economic difficulties due to over a decade of conflict, sanctions, and foreign occupation.
Syrian authorities have expressed interest in revitalizing the energy sector. Ahmad Suleiman, the Director of Public Relations at the Syrian Oil Ministry, mentioned that bids for a recent crude oil tender have been evaluated, allowing for the selection of companies based on established specifications.
Last month, European Union countries suspended some sanctions imposed during the reign of former President Bashar al-Assad. This suspension included restrictions on energy, banking, transport, and reconstruction. Similarly, the UK lifted sanctions on Syria’s central bank following violent events against the Alawite minority along the Syrian coast.
Recently, a deal was signed between the Syrian government and the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), aimed at integrating the SDF into what is described as a new, extremist-dominated military. There are uncertainties regarding the future of Syria’s oilfields under SDF control, as preparations for transferring management of these resources may take time.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar expressed Turkey’s interest in assisting Syria’s energy infrastructure, including oil and natural gas projects. He mentioned potential developments, such as creating an oil pipeline connecting Syria to Turkey.
The concept of a Turkiye–Qatar natural gas pipeline was initially proposed in 2009 to transport Qatari gas to Turkey and onto Europe. However, this proposal was dismissed by the previous Syrian government, coinciding with the commencement of the U.S. and Turkish-backed conflict in Syria.
In summary, Qatar’s initiative to supply natural gas to Syria, backed by U.S. approval, marks a significant attempt to revitalize the country’s struggling energy sector. In light of recent sanction relaxations by the EU and the UK, Syria appears to be taking steps to rebuild its energy infrastructure amid ongoing conflict and economic challenges. Furthermore, the engagement of Turkey and the potential revival of past pipeline projects may further influence the regional energy landscape.
Original Source: thecradle.co
