Damascus Countryside, (SANA)-Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Otri opened on Thursday  Deir Ali power plant with 750 megawatt and a total cost of Euro 400 million, south of Damascus.

Otri also laid the foundation stone of the plant's expansion project which will be carried out by Italian Ansaldo companies at an estimated total cost of Euro 650 million.

The contract for the expansion of the plant includes the construction of two gas generating compositions and a steam generating set in 36 months, which will be funded by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, European Investment Bank and the Islamic Bank.

In a statement to journalists, Otri highlighted the importance of this vital project in supporting the development process in Syria and meeting the country's growing demand for electric power.

Deir Ali plant is one of several other plants running on gas that are being carried out in Syria to meet the demands for electricity and guide the use of fuel, and most importantly to produce clean, cheap and eco-friendly energy, Minister of Electricity Ahmad Kayala told SANA.

Haifa Said /Ghossoun