Power Outage, High Costs of Renewable Energy Trouble Residents of Syria’s Latakia
(AWP) - The city of Latakia, in northwestern Syria, undergoes long power outages of up to 20 hours daily, pushing local residents to seek other sources of energy to illuminate their homes.
The deteriorating economic condition and the decline in the value of the Syrian lira have added to residents’ troubles, as the price of a battery or a solar-powered lantern can cost a month’s salary.
Abdel-Salam Samhani, who owns an electrical equipment store, complains that the the market is stagnant, despite the pressing need for renewable energy resources like batteries and solar energy panels.
“The prices of imported batteries are so high that ordinary citizens cannot buy them. The price of one battery can equal an employee’s monthly salary and more,” said Samhani, adding “the price hike continues.”
“Only a small group of people try to install renewable energy, such as solar. They purchase it in stages. First, they buy a battery and an inverter, and later they buy the solar panels, because the equipment prices are expensive,” he noted.
Mohamed Hala, a university student, described the situation as “hard,” adding “long periods of power outage do not leave us enough time to recharge the alternative energy batteries at home, or even our cell phones.”
Samer Abazli, a citizen, said the situation is “okay,” although he is unable to get an alternative resource of energy. “The cost of solar energy is up to three or four million, while the generator is worth five million. Gasoline and mazut are not available either,” he said.
“If resources were available, I would illuminate my home, and I would buy a generator, solar energy equipment, and anything else I want,” he added.