The Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched a US$12.4 million project to stabilize electricity supply in Syria by maintaining the Jandar Power Plant, one of the country’s most critical electricity generation facilities. Funded by Japan and implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, the project aims to improve reliability and efficiency, sustaining up to 540 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the national grid. This reliable supply is expected to directly benefit approximately 1.84 million people (around 368,750 households) and indirectly support access for an estimated 3.33 million people across Syria.
H.E. Akihiro Tsuji, Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Japan in Syria, highlighted Japan’s ongoing support for the Syrian people, guided by the principle of human security. He noted the historical significance of the Jandar Power Plant, constructed with Japan’s assistance in the early 1990s, and emphasized that some equipment for the project will include high-quality Japanese-manufactured components, reflecting Japan’s technological expertise.
Fourteen years of conflict have severely weakened Syria’s electricity sector, with infrastructure damage, delayed maintenance, fuel shortages, and limited access to spare parts reducing generation capacity and disrupting essential services. Reliable electricity is critical for hospitals, water systems, schools, livelihoods, and economic recovery.
The 24-month project will focus on maintaining Units 1 and 2 of the Jandar Power Plant. Key activities include technical assessments, procurement and installation of original spare parts, monitoring of installation works, and training for engineers and technicians. These interventions aim to reduce unplanned shutdowns, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen national capacity for preventive maintenance.
UNDP Resident Representative a.i. Dr. Mohammed Mudawi emphasized that reliable electricity is essential for Syria’s recovery and stability. He highlighted Japan’s long-standing support for the sector, noting that since 2014 Japan has provided over US$35 million to rehabilitate three major power plants, adding 235 MW of generation capacity and reducing losses by around 1,000 MW, benefiting approximately 5.5 million people.
Electricity generated at Jandar feeds directly into the national grid, stabilizing supply across multiple governorates including Homs, Damascus, Rural Damascus, Hama, and Deir-ez-Zor. The targeted units operate roughly 7,500 hours annually, producing about 4,400 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity. Planned maintenance, particularly the replacement of valves and combustor baskets, is expected to significantly improve electricity availability and reliability for households and essential services in these areas.
