Syria Turns to Renewable Resources to Secure Energy Demand

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--In 2007, the electricity demand in Syria reached 41,550 gigawatt-hours (GWh). The generation per capita reached 2,037 kilowatt-hours, representing a growth rate of 4%. From 2007 through May 2008, 550 megawatts (MW) was added to the country's grid, increasing installed capacity to 7,550 MW.

In 2008, the Public Establishment for Generation and Transmission of Electricity (PEEG) (Damascus, Syria) established plans to help meet energy demand by adding 4,500 MW of capacity within three years. The Dier Ali 750-MW power station has a total investment value of $540 million and will help PEEG meet its power goals. The plant began operations in February 2010, while a 700-MW extension at a cost of $880 million kicked off almost immediately. The foundation stone for the expansion project was laid by Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Otri.

Syria's energy demand is expected to reach 50,000 GWh in 2010 and about 90,000 GWh in 2020. Energy demand is expected to grow 4% annually. Oil production has been in decline since the mid-1990s, which means Syria could become a net oil-importer by 2015. Therefore, the energy sector has made plans to start exploitation of alternative resources to secure energy demand and achieve sustainable development.

After two years of measurements to assess wind potential, it was concluded that Syria has 15 locations with yearly average wind speeds of between 5.5 and 8 meters per second. The most promising areas to build windfarms are Al-Sukhna and Al Hijana, which have yearly average wind speeds of 7.2 and 6.8 meters per second, respectively.

Last month, PEEG announced a request for qualification (RFQ) for developers and sponsors of a 50- to 100-MW wind project for an independent power producer (IPP).

The purpose of issuing this RFQ is to invite experienced sponsors and developers to submit their qualifications as IPPs to build, own, and operate the facility or facilities, which will be located on the Al-Sukhna and/or Al Hijana sites.

The project company is required to design, finance, build, own and operate the wind park for 20 to 25 years. The project company will operate and maintain the wind park for an agreed upon number of years, and PEEG will purchase the energy according to the terms of a power purchase agreement.

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