What You Need to Know
• Nasri Tadros operates a shop in central Damascus, selling hookah products and relying on generators for power.
• Following the departure of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, Syria’s electricity infrastructure requires significant rebuilding.
• The World Bank approved a $146 million grant in June 2025 to enhance Syria’s electricity supply and sector development.
Nasri Tadros, a shop owner in central Damascus, relies on generators and battery-operated devices to maintain his business, which sells hookah products. As summer approaches, residents are experiencing improved electricity supply, with up to six hours of power available before cuts occur. The departure of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 has left Syria facing severe economic challenges, particularly in the electricity sector, which has been heavily damaged during years of conflict. In 2023, Syria’s electricity generation was primarily reliant on natural gas and oil, with only a small fraction coming from renewable sources. The World Bank’s $146 million grant aims to address these issues and support the development of the electricity sector in the country.
Why It Matters
The situation in Syria is critical as the country seeks to rebuild after years of civil war and economic instability. The departure of Bashar al-Assad marked a significant political shift, but it also left a legacy of infrastructural damage, particularly in energy. As of 2023, the electricity sector was heavily dependent on fossil fuels, highlighting the need for diversification and modernization. The World Bank’s investment is a crucial step toward restoring electricity supply and improving living conditions for the Syrian population.
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