Latest news with #OAPEC
Libya Review
11-07-2025
- Business
- Libya Review
Libya Seeks Greater Benefits from OAPEC Membership
Libya's Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Abdel-Sadiq, has explored ways to expand Libya's benefit from its founding membership in the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), to further enhance the development of the oil and gas sector. The discussions took place during a meeting with OAPEC Secretary-General Jamal Al-Loughani on the sidelines of the 9th International Gas Exporting Countries Forum, according to a statement from Libya's Ministry of Oil and Gas. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the latest projects and initiatives launched by the organization, focusing on technical and economic programs that could support Libya's energy sector amid global and regional shifts in the energy landscape. Minister Abdel-Sadiq praised OAPEC's significant progress in recent years and commended its efforts to strengthen Arab cooperation in the energy field. The ministry emphasized that this meeting reflects Libya's keenness to expand its cooperation with specialized regional organizations, in order to boost its presence and influence in the global energy market. It also aims to maximize the country's use of available resources and opportunities to serve national interests. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: EnergygaslibyaOAPECoil
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Arab LNG capacity to reach 228 mtpa by 2030
The Arab region's total liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity is expected to rise to 228 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by 2030, significantly strengthening its role in the global gas market, according to Wael Abdel Moati, Gas Industry Expert at the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC). In an exclusive interview with Zawya Projects, Moati said new LNG projects currently under construction in Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Mauritania are likely to take the region's capacity to 200 mtpa by 2028. 'An additional 28 mtpa could be added if projects currently in the planning phase reach Final Investment Decision (FID) in the coming years, taking the total capacity to 228 mtpa by 2030,' he said. Moati said each Arab country has different development plans depending on the resources, infrastructure maturity, local market needs and plans to export gas or LNG. 'For instance, in Mauritania and Qatar, the focus is to exploit the gas resources to feed new LNG projects, while in Jordan the focus is on exploiting the Richa gas field to feed the local market and invest in LNG import structure for a more diversified gas supply mix. But collectively, they are enhancing the diversity and resilience of the Arab gas landscape - whether through production or export,' he said. Moati noted that a significant share of the projected growth from LNG projects under construction has already been secured through long-term agreements with prospective buyers in Europe and Asia. 'ADNOC, QatarEnergy, and Oman LNG, have already secured long-term sales agreements. Between January 2024 and March 2025, for instance, Arab LNG exporters signed around 25 LNG sale and purchase agreements covering up to 32 mtpa of LNG, reflecting a more diversified buyer base,' he said. Domestic gas demand on the rise Moati said population growth, industrial diversification, and growing electricity demand for powering cooling, desalination, petrochemical industries, and urban development are pushing up domestic gas demand. 'In this context, we estimate domestic gas demand in Arab countries will grow at an annual rate of 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent on average over the medium term,' he noted. 'To meet this rising demand, there are 15 gas development projects underway across the region, expected to bring 10 to 11 billion cubic feet per day of new supply over the next three to five years - all designated for domestic markets'. This trend highlights the critical role natural gas continues to play in supporting the region's energy security and economic growth, the OAPEC official said. Price expectations Moati said OAPEC expects prices to remain volatile in 2025 due to global supply disruptions, particularly in Europe following reduced Russian pipeline gas, and substantial demand growth in the Middle East. 'In the medium term, however, a period of oversupply is likely as new LNG projects in the U.S., Africa, and the Arab region come online weighing down on prices for up to two years before the market rebalances with continuing demand growth,' he said. U.S. LNG expansion and market implications Moati expects Trump administration's renewed push for LNG export licenses and the ongoing geopolitical instability to have a significant impact on future global LNG markets. He pointed out that the U.S., currently the world's largest LNG exporter with around 25 percent market share, is set to expand its position further with five new LNG projects in the commissioning or construction phases totalling 75 mtpa. The reversal of the Biden-era pause on LNG export licenses could accelerate another 70 mtpa of proposed capacity toward FIDs, he added. 'If realised, this new wave of U.S. LNG supply would, first, intensify competition with other LNG exporters as they seek to market new volumes and secure long-term offtake agreements with potential customers. Second, it could contribute to a potential oversupply in the global market in the next few years creating a buyer's market and third, it could weigh down on LNG prices, especially in the medium term, as the volume of new supply outpaces demand growth during the post-2025 period,' he concluded. (Reporting by Sowmya Sundar; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Arab countries post modest LNG export growth in Q1 2025
Arab countries' exports of LNG (liquefied natural gas) saw a modest 1.1 percent year-on-year growth to 28.8 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2025 accounting for 26.4 percent of the global LNG trade, according to the quarterly report by the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC). The report on LNG and Hydrogen Developments for Q1 2025, prepared by OAPEC's Gas Industry Expert Wael Abdel Moati, noted that Egypt halting LNG exports to serve its domestic market and Algeria's maintenance operations at the liquefaction units in Arzew and Skikda led to the decline in export volumes, which was offset by higher exports from Qatar, the UAE, and Oman during this period. Exports from Arab countries are expected to rise in the future following Mauritania's entry into the group of Arab LNG-exporting countries after the launch of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project, according to OAPEC. The organisation expects a 3.3 percent growth in LNG supply during 2025. Globally, 11 LNG Sales and Purchase agreements have been signed for the export of 16 million tonnes per year (mtpa) during the first quarter of 2025. Supply forecasts Global LNG liquefaction capacity is expected to rise by 27 mtpa to about 515.6 mtpa by the end of 2025 driven by the commissioning of two new projects in the United States, one in Canada and one in Mauritania. However, due to the technical nature of the commissioning tests, which may involve malfunctions or delays, and the staggered timelines for the four projects to enter actual production, the actual LNG supply is expected to be lower than the added design capacity. Moreover, recent U.S. sanctions targeting medium-scale liquefaction plants in Russia and the scheduled maintenance at several existing facilities in the coming months, are also expected to impact the volume of actual LNG supplies. According to the updated estimates from OAPEC, global LNG supplies are projected to increase by about 3.3 percent in 2025 to 425 million tonnes compared to 2024. This increase would help meet part of the rising European demand, particularly considering the halted Russian gas flows via Ukraine, which are estimated at around 15 billion cubic metres per year, equivalent to about 11 mtpa of LNG. Despite the expected supply increase, global demand is expected to absorb it, keeping LNG prices at elevated levels during 2025 compared to the previous year, driven by geopolitical factors and intensifying competition between the European and Asian markets for LNG, the report noted. Hydrogen developments Arab nations are targeting 8 mtpa of low carbon hydrogen production by 2030 and 27 mtpa by 2040, according to the OAPEC hydrogen tracker. At the end of March 2025, 130 projects for hydrogen production had been announced. Eight Arab nations have national hydrogen strategies in place while 65 countries have announced globally. 'This rapid development in policy formulation reflects a growing commitment by Arab countries to establish the legislative and regulatory frameworks necessary to enter the global hydrogen market. It also indicates a clear recognition of the importance of early preparation to seize investment and trade opportunities in this promising sector', the report noted. The report stressed that the region has the potential to become a key player in the global hydrogen market in the coming decades but will require several years of effort and coordination to establish a mature and stable global market. Achieving the ambitious goals set by Arab countries is contingent on: a) The creation of global demand for low carbon hydrogen b) A significant reduction in production costs driven by technological advances, c) The development of large-scale integrated infrastructure that includes transport, storage and distribution systems. Strengthening regional and international cooperation in areas such as technology transfer and knowledge sharing will be a pivotal factor in accelerating progress and reducing investment risks in this emerging sector, the report concluded. (Writing by Sowmya Sundar; Editing by Anoop Menon)
Egypt Today
19-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Egypt Emerges as Arab Leader in Green Hydrogen with 38 Projects in 2025
CAIRO - 19 MAY 2025: A recent report by the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) highlights Egypt's growing momentum in the hydrogen sector, revealing that the country now leads the Arab world with a total of 38 hydrogen-related projects. The report, covering developments in LNG and hydrogen for Q1 2025, points to Egypt's proactive approach in partnering with international stakeholders and pushing forward with clean energy initiatives. The majority of Egypt's hydrogen and green ammonia projects are concentrated in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Out of roughly 30 memorandums of understanding signed by the zone's General Authority, 14 have already been activated. These have led to the signing of 11 framework agreements aimed at establishing a production capacity projected to reach 18 million tons per year once all phases are completed. The report also notes a sharp rise in the number of hydrogen projects across the Arab world — now totaling around 130 — quadrupling the number recorded in 2021. These projects span various stages of development, from early-stage feasibility studies to final investment decisions backed by binding sales contracts. Egypt's prominent position in this growing field underscores its commitment to becoming a regional hub for sustainable energy and leveraging global momentum toward cleaner technologies.
Arab News
24-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia rallies region for deep decarbonization as COP30 nears
JEDDAH: A regional drive to cut carbon emissions in the oil and gas sector gained fresh momentum this week as the second symposium on downstream decarbonization opened in the Saudi capital, drawing high-level participation from international energy companies, industry experts, and policymakers. Organized by the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries and held under the patronage of Saudi Energy Ministry, the event—titled 'Pathways to Reducing Carbon Emissions in Downstream Petroleum Industries'—builds on the success of its inaugural edition last June. The symposium aims to advance strategies for curbing emissions in refining and petrochemical operations, reaffirming OAPEC's commitment to sustainable energy development while fostering both regional and global collaboration. Central to discussions is the challenge of balancing environmental goals with the continued strategic role of hydrocarbons in the global energy mix. Opening the event, Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change Khalid Al-Mehaid highlighted the organization's evolving vision. He praised OAPEC's decision to rebrand as the 'Arab Energy Organization,' a move he said reflects a broader commitment to embracing all forms of energy to better serve the region's long-term development goals. He underscored the need for deep decarbonization strategies to safeguard energy security, protect the environment, and drive economic growth, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Al-Mehaid emphasized the importance of integrated carbon management solutions, pointing to the role of the International Energy Forum in fostering collaboration between energy-producing and consuming nations in the face of the global energy trilemma. With COP30 fast approaching, he called on Arab countries to move beyond negotiations and toward actionable climate cooperation, urging the adoption of science-driven solutions to meet net-zero emission targets. OAPEC Secretary-General Jamal Al-Loughani also commended the Saudi Ministry of Energy for its central role in shaping the event's direction. He credited the leadership of Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman for driving the success of the symposium's inaugural edition and setting the stage for its second iteration. According to the SPA report, Al-Loughani noted that these collaborative efforts have significantly advanced both Arab and global dialogues on emissions reduction, particularly in refining the technical and technological approaches needed to meet climate goals. Al-Loughani noted that the symposium comes at a pivotal moment, as the oil and gas sector faces mounting environmental challenges. He emphasized that member states are actively working to transition toward a low-emissions economy through strategic investments in renewable energy, carbon capture and reuse technologies, and improved operational efficiency. Al-Loughani also highlighted pioneering initiatives led by the Kingdom, including the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. He commended similar efforts across the region, citing the UAE's Al-Reyada carbon capture project, alongside notable programs in Algeria, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Egypt, and Bahrain. Mohammed Eid Al-Suraihi, president of the Arab Council for Creativity and Innovation, underscored the vital role of linking innovation with industrial solutions and stressed the importance of civil society participation in environmental awareness campaigns, according to the SPA. He further emphasized that innovation remains key to building a more sustainable future for the petroleum sector. Ali Al-Samawi, a senior energy analyst and representative of IEF Secretary-General Jassim Al-Shirawi, warned of unprecedented global challenges in decarbonizing the downstream petroleum industry. He pointed to circular carbon economy models, carbon markets, artificial intelligence-driven energy efficiency, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies as essential tools for transformative change and unlocking future investment. The symposium closely aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader sustainability efforts, particularly through the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative—both aimed at reducing carbon emissions and expanding renewable energy adoption. The Kingdom has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060, a goal announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the 2021 Saudi Green Initiative Forum. Saudi Arabia's focus on decarbonizing its oil and gas sector—especially through advanced technologies like carbon capture — complements the symposium's core agenda and reinforces the country's leadership in promoting regional and international climate cooperation ahead of COP30. According to SPA, the symposium drew broad participation, including representatives from OAPEC member states, international organizations, and over 15 leading global firms specializing in emissions reduction technologies. Delegates from around 20 Arab and foreign countries attended, with nearly 140 experts and stakeholders present. The event featured 23 technical papers showcasing the latest innovations and strategies in emissions mitigation.
