Turkey eyes role in Syria's energy sector with gas pipeline to Aleppo
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The pipeline construction is expected to take 12 to 15 months, while efforts to restore electricity infrastructure, including power lines, will take at least six months.
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Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar speaking to reporters on January 30, 2025. (@aBayraktar1)
Turkey has announced plans to construct a gas pipeline to Aleppo, Syria, aiming to address the severe energy shortages in the war-torn region. Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated on Thursday that the pipeline construction is expected to take 12 to 15 months, while efforts to restore electricity infrastructure, including power lines, will take at least six months.
Aleppo, one of Syria's largest cities, requires around 2,000 MW of electricity, but much of the infrastructure was damaged during the war. Bayraktar outlined a plan to boost electricity supply to northern Syria by 50%, with 500 MW transferred via power lines, while the rest will come from gas-powered plants that require repairs.
"We are planning to increase electricity transferred to northern Syria by 50% ... 500 MW will be transferred via power lines, and the rest will be provided by gas power plants, that need to be repaired. However, the plants need gas, so we are now working on a 50-60 kilometer [31-37 mile] long gas pipeline to Aleppo," CNN Turk quoted Bayraktar as saying.
Turkey's Plan
While the initiative is framed as a humanitarian effort, Turkey's interest in the pipeline extends beyond energy supply. Establishing infrastructure in northern Syria strengthens Ankara's geopolitical influence and positions it as a key energy transit hub between the Middle East and Europe.
Turkish officials have also hinted that the pipeline could eventually operate in reverse, allowing Syrian gas to flow northward into Turkey, thereby diversifying its energy imports.
Bayraktar acknowledged this possibility, stating that one day the gas pipeline may work in the opposite direction, enabling the delivery of Syrian gas to Turkey.
Read more: Erdogan aiming to reshape Syria with Trump backing: Bloomberg
According to a Bloomberg report published last month, Turkey is not only focusing on gas infrastructure but is also seeking involvement in revitalizing Syria’s oil and gas sector as part of a broader effort to integrate into Syria’s reconstruction.
"We are also studying the use of crude oil and natural gas for the reconstruction of Syria. We plan to tell our counterparts how we can make contributions in that sense," Bayraktar told Bloomberg, signaling Ankara’s interest in expanding beyond electricity projects.
The report highlights that Turkey’s long-term energy strategy could include the construction of new oil and gas pipelines linking Syria to Turkey’s export terminals, potentially securing Ankara a role in the future transit of Middle Eastern energy to Europe.
Bloomberg also noted that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is working to maintain close ties with Syria’s new leadership, an effort that could allow Turkish companies to take a leading role in Syria’s reconstruction. Ankara also hopes that economic cooperation could pave the way for the voluntary return of some of the 3 million Syrian refugees currently residing in Turkey.
Energy Crisis
Syria has suffered from chronic power shortages due to war-damaged infrastructure and Western sanctions. Many areas rely on diesel generators as power outages remain frequent. The fall of Damascus on December 8 and the subsequent resignation of President Bashar al-Assad, who later fled to Russia, have reshaped the country’s political landscape.
Mohammed al-Bashir, an opposition figure who previously managed an Idlib-based administration, was named interim prime minister. He has since announced the formation of a transitional government, which is expected to remain in place until March 2025.
Additionally, Syria’s largest oil refinery, Baniyas, halted operations in December due to the cessation of crude oil shipments from Iran, the Financial Times reported on December 19. The report noted that Syria's new leadership is exploring alternative suppliers to ease its worsening energy crisis, which could open the door for collaboration with Turkey.
