Overall, Syria is a country with limited nuclear resources and capabilities. Most of these are focused on research and development and the practical application of radioisotopes for use in industry. It is unclear how many nuclear facilities Syria actually has, but they all appear to be meant for the purpose of advancing the cause of nuclear science and industry in that country. Although there have been plans since 1983 for developing a nuclear energy program, no such program has ever materialized. One major reason cited for this stalling is the lack of financial resources available to the Syrian government to develop what is a costly prospect, at least in the short run. Additionally, it may be the case of resource allocation, whereby other energy programs have a comparative advantage in Syria. Nevertheless, Syria continues to have aspirations to develop a nuclear power program and has even recently entered into negotiations—perhaps even agreements—with Russia to construct as many as two nuclear power reactors.
Policymaking in the nuclear field comes from the director general of Syria's Atomic Energy Commission (AECS). The president and prime minister give this body authority in guidance, regulations, and standards within the industry. Under the director general of the AECS is an administrative council that manages several departments, including those involved in nuclear energy, safety, and regulation. Syria is a full member of the IAEA, and as such, its facilities fall under safeguards agreements, which include required inspections of the facilities. Syria is also involved in regional organizations such as the Arab Atomic Energy Agency, and has signed cooperative agreements with countries such as China, Russia, and Argentina.
Beginning in the 1980s, with aspirations of developing a nuclear power program in the future, the government initiated a program to consider extracting uranium from phosphoric acid, which is in abundance in Syria. Syria's phosphate mining and refining capability is well known throughout the Middle East, as it is one of the largest exporters of phosphoric acid-based fertilizers. Working with the IAEA in 1992, the AECS conducted a pre-feasibility study to explore the countryside for radioactive sources. These sources were to be processed at a facility in Homs. The AECS has also undertaken analyses of soil, sediment, and phosphate rocks to determine the content of uranium and other related radioactive sources[1]. In 1996, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funded a project to assist the AECS with a pilot plant to extract uranium from the Homs plant, which is run by the General Company for Phosphate and Mines. With the help of outside contractors, Syria began developing a plant to refine triple superphosphate. However, construction of the plant was delayed for financial reasons. Its status remains unknown.
Syria's capability to extract uranium from phosphoric acid remains at a pilot scale. This may be due to financial restrictions and limited nuclear fuel requirements at this time.
Syria does not have a declared uranium enrichment program. However, the AECS does operate a cyclotron that is similar to the one that is operated in Iran. Some analysts believe that the Iranian facility has been or is being used to experiment with uranium enrichment processes[2]. This has caused some outside observers to take note of the Syrian facility's existence and consider it with further scrutiny.
The Syrian authorities are currently undertaking activities that will allow entities within the country to properly manage its radioactive wastes. Increased activities in the use of radioisotopes in the medical, agricultural, and other fields have resulted in an increased amount of residual wastes. Additionally, Syria's mining, oil, and natural gas industries have left piles of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) that must be dealt with properly. All this has led the government to consider its waste management options.
Syria does not have nuclear power reactors. However, for many years it has seen nuclear energy as a viable source to satisfy its energy needs and has begun to lay foundation for future programs. Syria began planning its nuclear power program in the late 1970s. In the early 1980s, the AECS undertook a feasibility study, with the assistance of the IAEA, to plan for and determine the requirements for a potential nuclear power program. Later, in 2001, the IAEA assisted Syria in another project to analyze the role of nuclear power as an element of its over energy program. According to open sources, as recent as 2003, Syria has negotiated with other countries, specifically the Russia, for the construction of a nuclear reactor. However, no official agreement has been concluded so far.
In conjunction with internal training, studies, and the development of its infrastructure, Syria has contacted and been in negotiations with several countries to consider constructing nuclear power reactors. Syria has signed nuclear assistance agreements with several countries, most notably with China and Russia. In 1998, Syrian officials met with the Russian Minister of Atomic Energy in Moscow and Damascus to discuss the development of a reactor. Again, in 2003, Russian and Syrian officials met to discuss a reactor deal. These two countries have signed agreements to explore ways to cooperate in the nuclear field. However, so far no power reactor contract appears to have been reached.
Although there are some areas of uncertainty surrounding Syria's nuclear program, the program appears to be rudimentary at best and focused on civilian and scientific applications. It remains to be seen if Syria will construct a nuclear reactor or with whose assistance. However it appears that Russia and Syria continue to conduct negotiations on the subject, and this could lead to an announcement in the future.
[1] Youssef M. Jubeli, "Comparison of Uranium Determination in Some Syrian Geologic Samples Using Three Reactor Based Methods," Applied Radiation and Isotope, 52, (2000) pp. 1003-1007.
[2] Mark Hibbs, "US Officials say Iran is pursuing fissile material production research," Nuclear Fuel, 7 December 1992.
