Syrian government signs deal for 5GW gas and solar projects

The Syrian government has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a consortium led by UCC Holding to develop major power generation projects in the region.

The MoU covers the development of four combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants in Traifawi (Homs), Zayzoun (Hama), Deir-Azzour, and Mehardeh (Hama), with an approximate installed generation capacity of 4,000MW, using American and European technologies.

It also includes a 1,000MW solar power plant in Wedian Alrabee, located in the southern region of Syria.

These projects will be implemented under Build-Own-Operate (BOO) and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models with the corresponding power purchase agreements.

Construction is expected to begin following final agreements and financial close, with completion targeted within three years for the gas plants and less than two years for the solar plant.

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The agreement, which will unlock foreign investment valued at approximately $7 billion, aligns with the national agenda to rebuild Syrian power generation infrastructure, enhance energy security, and support economic development.

Ramez Al Khayyat, president and Group CEO of Qatari construction company UCC Holding, commented in a statement: “This MoU reflects our vision for sustainable and impactful infrastructure development in the region...These projects represent a model of effective public-private partnership, integrating both conventional and renewable power solutions to support Syria’s energy transition and long-term economic resilience."

Upon completion, the projects are expected to supply over 50% of Syria’s national electricity needs and will have broad social and economic impacts.

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According to UCC Holdings, the development will:

• End power shortages by increasing generation capacity to meet the growing demand of households, industries, and businesses.
• Drive economic growth by providing reliable energy to critical sectors such as industry, agriculture, healthcare, and education.
• Create thousands of jobs in construction, engineering, and long-term operations, contributing to workforce development.
• Improve daily life through enhanced public services and education systems.
• Enable regional integration by opening channels for future cross-border energy trade.
• Support the transition to renewables by laying the foundation for large-scale solar and clean energy projects.

The consortium involved in the initiative is led by UCC Holding, through its subsidiary UCC Concessions Investment, a Qatari company specialising in energy concessions and construction. The consortium includes American and Turkish companies.