Reality and Prospects of Wind Power in Syria

Abstract

Everyday Syria needs 500 million SYP as a fuel cost for electric generation stations, which is equal to 170 billion SYP per year. There are 5.3 million subscribers, each of them receives annual subsidies of 320 US$.In order to avoid expected shortage of electric energy this year and next years, a contract has been concluded with Turkey to provide us with 550 MW. Notably, there are many projects under construction now, which will support electric net by 2600 MW nearly.Theoretical wind potential in Syria is estimated by 80000 MW nearly. By primary evaluation of promising areas, we find that the actual wind potential is close to theoretical one. In case there is a big electric net, which is connected synchronically with Europe, or close neighbours such theoretical potential can be converted to actual one.Currently, installing wind surveillance stations is increasing in the promising areas gradually by installing 25 stations. There are many projects under construction in different Syrian areas such as: Higani, and Sughni with 50-100 MW for each location. Now companies wishing to execute such project are being evaluated.National Centre for Energy Researches announced a tender for calling offers to establish typical wind farm of 40-50 MW in Qutina are on the north side of Qutina lake to west-south of Homs. It is expected that such wind farm would provide electric net with 150 million Kwh nearly.