The World Bank announced today a US$146 million emergency grant to Syria through its International Development Association (IDA) to restore electricity services and support energy sector recovery.

Key Project Components:

1. Infrastructure Rehabilitation:

   • Repair of two damaged 400kV high-voltage transmission lines

   • Reconstruction of critical substations near high-demand areas

   • Regional grid reconnection with Jordan and Turkey

2. Technical Assistance:

   • Development of national electricity sector strategies

   • Policy/regulatory reforms for long-term sustainability

   • Institutional capacity building

3. Humanitarian Impact:

   • Targeting areas with high returnee/IDP populations

   • Supporting interdependent services (water, healthcare)

   • Enabling economic recovery

Statement from World Bank:
"The Board of Executive Directors approved this IDA grant to help Syria restore reliable, affordable electricity – currently limited to 2-4 hours daily – which is essential for improving living conditions and supporting the return of displaced populations," said Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Middle East Director.

Crisis Context:

• National grid capacity reduced to 30% of pre-war levels

• 5+ years of severe energy insecurity

• Cascading impacts on water, agriculture and healthcare

Implementation Plan:

• Phase 1: Emergency repairs to transmission infrastructure

• Phase 2: Technical assistance for sector reform

• Monitoring: Third-party implementation due to sanctions

Regional Significance:
The project will:
✓ Restore cross-border electricity trade
✓ Use Syrian grid as regional interconnection hub
✓ Follow World Bank Fragility, Conflict and Violence (FCV) protocols