Latest news with #OAPEC
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.
Jordan Times
18-04-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Ministry outlines roadmap for Risha Gas Field development at OAPEC meeting
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Secretary-General Amani Azzam on Thursday participates in the 24th Gas Experts Meeting of the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) (JT file) AMMAN — Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Secretary-General Amani Azzam on Thursday participated in the 24th Gas Experts Meeting of the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), where she outlined Jordan's strategic direction for natural gas and hydrogen development. During the meeting, Azzam delivered a working paper titled 'Developments in the Gas Industry in Jordan', in which she presented a roadmap for expanding operations at the Risha gas field, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. She noted that the Risha field, discovered by the Natural Resources Authority in 1986 and brought into production in 1989, remains one of Jordan's vital domestic energy sources. She explained that the field is classified as unconventional and tight, meaning gas cannot be extracted through traditional methods and instead requires advanced technologies and significant investment. Azzam said that the National Petroleum Company (NPC) is pursuing an ambitious development plan for the field. The plan includes the procurement of an additional drilling rig, the construction of a gas processing facility, and the development of a new pipeline to transport the produced gas. To fully utilise the expected production from Risha, Azzam emphasised the necessity of constructing a natural gas pipeline linking the field to the Arab Gas Pipeline at a connection point in Mafraq Governorate. The proposed pipeline would span approximately 320 kilometres, with technical and financial feasibility studies currently underway. She also highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to implement the National Programme for the Delivery of Natural Gas to urban centres and industrial zones across the Kingdom. The initiative aims to provide a more affordable and sustainable energy alternative for existing industries. Azzam also outlined key components of Jordan's comprehensive energy sector strategy for 2020–2030, including continued reliance on current gas sources expected to meet national needs until 2035, further development of the Risha field, and the attraction of international investment in exploration for both conventional and unconventional gas. The strategy also includes maintaining LNG import capacity through the Sheikh Sabah Terminal in Aqaba as part of efforts to safeguard energy security.
Egypt Independent
16-04-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Egypt, OAPEC discuss plans for Arab energy unity
Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi held discussions with Jamal Al Loughani, the Secretary General of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), focusing on enhancing Arab integration in the fields of oil, gas, and energy, ongoing efforts to restructure OAPEC and the launch of new initiatives aimed at developing the organization's functions and impact. Egypt reaffirmed its full support for OAPEC's development and restructuring efforts, viewing them as a fresh starting point for the organization, according to a statement by the petroleum ministry on Tuesday. The minister emphasized the importance of leveraging these efforts to deepen regional cooperation among Arab countries in the energy sector and highlighted the potential for joint ventures and strategic partnerships that could bring mutual benefits, accelerate development, and optimize the use of resources and expertise across member states. During the meeting, the minister outlined the main pillars of Egypt's petroleum strategy, which include increasing production, making better use of infrastructure, modernizing the mining sector, diversifying energy sources for an optimal energy mix, improving energy efficiency, enhancing safety standards, and reducing emissions. He noted that these pillars provide a solid foundation for expanded Arab collaboration and the creation of new energy partnerships. The minister also proposed establishing a 'Center of Excellence' under the renewed OAPEC framework to serve as a hub for knowledge-sharing among member states, helping them capitalize on their individual strengths and achieve greater economic returns and shared value. A shared Arab vision for green energy was also discussed. The minister highlighted the opportunity to collectively market and transport surplus green energy to European markets, taking advantage of Egypt's strategic geographic location as a gateway to Europe, saying this aligns with the growing ambition across the Arab world to invest in renewable energy projects. Successful models of Arab energy cooperation were highlighted, including the SUMED pipeline, which facilitates the transport of Arab crude oil through Egypt to Europe, and the Egypt–Saudi Arabia electrical interconnection project, a prime example of integrated regional energy infrastructure. In response, the OAPEC chief expressed his appreciation for Egypt's ongoing support and strategic vision for the energy sector. He commended the country's comprehensive approach and emphasized the value of incorporating Egypt's experience into OAPEC's restructuring plans. Loughani also presented the progress made by the OAPEC Secretariat in collaboration with a joint team of experts from member states. This includes steps toward restructuring the organization to keep pace with global energy challenges and launching initiatives to strengthen resilience and collaboration. He stressed the need to utilize the capabilities and resources available in Arab countries, expand future cooperation projects, and promote knowledge transfer, joint research, and partnerships with academic institutions. The secretary general's visit to Cairo also includes meetings with several key entities in the Egyptian petroleum sector, including the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM), and Enppi, which is currently conducting training programs in collaboration with OAPEC. He will also visit the Arab Petroleum Pipelines Company (SUMED) to explore further areas of cooperation.
