Syria is pushing ahead with efforts to restore key energy infrastructure in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, as part of a broader national plan to rebuild critical services damaged during years of war.  Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir visited on Wednesday, al-Taym oil field and its associated oil and power generation stations to assess the operational needs of the facilities.  The facilities suffered significant destruction during the war and are now undergoing phased restoration aimed at boosting production and stabilizing electricity supply in the governorate.  During his visit, the minister met with technical staff and received briefings on the current state of operations, logistical challenges, and shortages in spare parts. Al-Bashir underscored the government’s commitment to supporting local technical teams and ensuring the provision of resources to enhance output and energy sector stability in eastern Syria. The al-Taym power station, originally commissioned in the 1990s, consists of three generating units running on gas and diesel. Two units were recently brought back online after successful local repairs.  These units now serve as backup power sources during outages, especially when electricity transmission from central Syria is disrupted. However, the facility still faces major obstacles. The third unit remains partially destroyed, and the plant continues to suffer from a lack of critical replacement parts. Earlier in August, the Ministry of Energy signed a new investment deal with an international consortium (UCC) to construct a 750-megawatt thermal power plant and a 400-megawatt solar facility in the province. Officials say these projects are expected to generate employment, support the return of displaced residents, and stimulate investment across the agriculture, industry and tourism sectors. The push to restore Deir Ezzor’s energy infrastructure comes as Syria grapples with severe nationwide electricity shortages and economic constraints. Yet, officials say the ongoing rehabilitation efforts reflect a broader governmental strategy to revive essential services and lay the groundwork for long-term development. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Syrian Arab News Agency