Damascus, February 12, 2026 – The Europe Today: In the presence of Syria’s Ministry of Energy, the governments of Italy and Norway have signed a US$10.7 million agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to restore electricity generation at the Deir Ali Power Plant, aiming to strengthen Syria’s national grid and improve electricity reliability for households, public services, and productive sectors.
Implemented in partnership with Syria’s Ministry of Energy, the project will rehabilitate Extension II of the Deir Ali power plant through urgent maintenance works, procurement and installation of critical spare parts, and technical training for staff to ensure sustainable operation and maintenance.
The initiative is expected to restore approximately 120 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation capacity, benefiting more than two million people in Rural Damascus, Daraa, Quneitra, and As-Suwayda, where electricity supply remains severely constrained.
H.E. Stefano Ravagnan, Italy’s Ambassador, described the project as “a concrete demonstration of Italy’s commitment towards the recovery of Syria,” noting that it will improve electricity reliability for local communities and industrial production in the area.
Similarly, Hilde Haraldstad, Norway’s Chargée d’Affaires to Syria, emphasized that energy remains a priority sector for Norway. “Supporting the restoration of the Deir Ali power plant is a concrete way to help strengthen essential services and increase access to electricity for the Syrian people,” she said, adding that reliable power supply is crucial for hospitals, businesses, and displaced persons seeking to return home.
Key activities under the project include comprehensive technical assessments, procurement of original spare parts, supervision and certification of installation works, and hands-on capacity development for engineers and technicians. These interventions are expected to reduce outages, safeguard infrastructure, and strengthen national capacity for ongoing plant operations.
Italy’s contribution of €5 million represents the first phase of a broader rehabilitation framework, complemented by US$5.1 million from Norway. Together, the interventions will rehabilitate two units of Deir Ali Extension II, adding more than 120 MW to the national grid and significantly enhancing electricity reliability.
Dr Mohammed Mudawi, UNDP Resident Representative a.i., highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, stating, “Electricity is fundamental to recovery, public services, and economic stability.” He expressed gratitude to Italy and Norway for their continued partnership, noting that the investment would power hospitals, water systems, and schools, while supporting livelihoods and encouraging safe and dignified returns.
Located approximately 30 kilometres south of Damascus, the Deir Ali power plant is one of Syria’s most strategic electricity generation facilities, with a total installed capacity of 1,450 MW when fully operational. Years of crisis, delayed maintenance, and limited access to spare parts have significantly reduced its output, making its rehabilitation a national priority critical to stabilizing electricity supply and supporting essential services across the country.
