Syria

The latest set of clean energy statistics compiled by the International Renewable Energy Agency signal a changing of the guard when it comes to clean power, with legacy hydropower facilities overtaken by new intermittent renewables.

The Ministry of Electricity Transmission Establishment is seeking to build a 23 MW solar facility in Damascus and a 40 MW plant near Homs.

Illegally re-badged panels were sold on to Senegal, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Turkey and even Syria. Italian authorities found 60 tons of panels which will be examined.

When built, the 5 MW solar park will add to two other megawatt scale plants powering Azraq’s refugee camp. The project is expected to be developed with the support of the Spanish government.

Swedish company Azelio is studying whether storage could ensure complete self-sufficiency for the 36,000-strong Azraq camp, which already draws 70% of its electricity from solar generation.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is seeking consultants for a feasibility study for the project. The plant would be constructed on land owned by the Banque du Liban.

Through a new tender the Jordanian government is seeking bids for the construction of a second solar facility at the Azraq camp. The project will be financed with European Union funds.

At 65.6 million people worldwide, the world’s forcibly displaced population remains at a record high. As these people flee conflicts tearing apart their home, they often face stark options for settlement within their own country or internationally. An estimated 90% of people in refugee camps lack electricity. More must be done to provide energy access to refugees.

A PV installation combined with a diesel generator at a Syrian hospital is to ensure stable energy supply that can save lives. Syria´s location and climate offer optimal conditions for the use of PV, that could help to overcome power shortages in the war torn country.