Syria's electricity demand has tripled over the past thirty years, and was 863 kWh per capita in 1999, the latest available figures. This compares with an average of 1,303 kWh per capita in the Arab region.

It is estimated that renewable energy will fulfil about 4 per cent of Syria's energy requirements by 2011, create 7,225 new jobs and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2.6 million tonnes a year. The UNDP is working with Damascus to organise a meeting of donor countries and organisations to raise funds for the the project.

The UNDP's resident representative, Taoufik Ben Amara said the government's goal to expand the use of renewable energy coincides with the UNDP's mandate to help countries achieve sustainable development and the Millennium Development Goals by reducing poverty, creating jobs, improving natural resources management, protecting the environment and supporting empowerment of women.