The World Bank has approved a $146 million grant to Syria, aimed at improving the country's electricity supply and aiding its economic recovery. The grant, provided through the International Development Association (IDA), will fund the Syria Electricity Emergency Project (SEEP). This initiative seeks to rehabilitate damaged transmission lines and transformer substations, while also providing technical assistance for developing the electricity sector.
Years of conflict have severely damaged Syria's national grid, limiting electricity supply to just 2–4 hours daily. This situation has negatively impacted essential sectors such as water, healthcare, agriculture, and housing. The infrastructure suffers from high losses due to destruction or neglect of key substations. Maintenance challenges and lack of investment have further deteriorated the grid.
Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Middle East Division Director, emphasized the importance of this project: "Among Syria’s urgent reconstruction needs, rehabilitating the electricity sector has emerged as a critical, no-regret investment that can improve the living conditions of the Syrian people."
The SEEP will focus on repairing two crucial 400 kV high-voltage interconnector transmission lines damaged during conflict. These repairs aim to restore regional connectivity with Jordan and Türkiye. Additionally, high-voltage transformer substations in heavily affected areas will be repaired. Technical assistance will support policy reforms and investment plans for sustainable development.
H.E. Yisr Barnieh, Minister of Finance, stated: "Electricity is a foundational investment for economic progress." He highlighted this project as a significant step in re-establishing World Bank support after nearly four decades.
The Public Establishment for Transmission and Distribution of Electricity (PETDE) will implement the project. An international consulting firm will assist PETDE with project management and oversight. The World Bank will provide additional monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards.