Latest news with #SaadbinSheridaAlKaabi
Zawya
12 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar reinforces LNG leadership, reshapes global energy landscape
DOHA: In a strategic move that reinforces its position as a leading global supplier of clean energy and supports global energy security amid rising demand and mounting challenges, the State of Qatar will begin exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the first phase of the North Field East (NFE) expansion project by mid-2026. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum earlier this year, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, HE EngSaad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, confirmed that expansion work is progressing on schedule and that the first LNG exports from the North Field East will commence in the middle of next year. The NFE expansion -- the largest project of its kind in the world -- is part of Qatar's ambitious plan to double LNG production capacity. Output will increase from the current 77 million tonnes per year to 110 million tonnes by 2026, and to 126 million tonnes per year by 2027 following completion of the second phase in the North Field South. Upon completion of the North Field West project, which is still in the engineering design phase, Qatar aims to reach 142 million tonnes per year by 2030. Two experts, speaking exclusively to Qatar News Agency (QNA), highlighted Qatar's role in bolstering the economy, sustaining growth in the coming years, and reshaping global energy markets. Qatar's LNG projects are expected to contribute around 40% of total new global LNG supply by 2029. Chief Business Officer at QNB Group, Yousef Mahmoud Al Neama, described the NFE project as one of the largest capital expenditure ventures in the region and the world's largest single gas field. He noted that the development of eight new LNG production trains, to be implemented in three phases, will be a major driver of economic growth and a cornerstone of Qatar's energy strategy. Al Neama projected that these investments will increase Qatar's LNG production by 85% by 2030, reaching 142 million tonnes annually. The NFE expansion will also include parallel growth in refining, downstream operations, and petrochemical production, generating returns that will support economic diversification, structural reforms, and growth in the manufacturing and services sectors. He added that GDP growth remains strong and is set to accelerate with the start of NFE operations, forecasting growth of 2.4% in 2025, 5.6% in 2026, and 7.9% in 2027. This development will strengthen the Qatari banking sector, which will continue to benefit from robust growth, ample liquidity, adequate capitalization, high asset quality, and strong profitability, he said. In exclusive remarks to QNA, Vice Dean of Business School for Academic and Quality Assurance at Al-Bayt University in Jordan, Dr Omar Khlaif Gharaibeh, said that the State of Qatar is currently investing in one of the largest expansion projects in the history of the gas industry through the development of the North Field, which is the world's largest natural gas field. He noted that with this step, the production capacity of liquefied natural gas (LNG) will rise from 77 million to 126 million tonnes per year by 2027, an increase of more than 63%, pointing out that these are not just numbers, but the contours of a new global energy order emerging from Doha. Dr Gharaibeh pointed out that the energy compass in Europe has shifted in recent years, as the continent has begun seeking reliable partners. In this context, Qatar stands out as a strategic choice through long-term agreements signed with Germany, France, and the Netherlands, he said, explaining that these agreements not only secure gas supply, but also bring stability to markets that sorely lack it in times of geopolitical uncertainty. He added that economically, Qatar's expansion will help mitigate global price volatility, as gas prices, currently above $30 per million thermal units, could fall to around $10 15 by the end of the decade. Dr Gharaibeh emphasized that Qatar is redrawing the map of the global energy industry. As major powers seek to reposition themselves in a multipolar world, energy has emerged as a tool of balance and influence, and Qatar, he said, is a quiet power managing smart investments of more than $45 billion in infrastructure, ports, and LNG carriers. He also highlighted that in an era where energy security challenges intersect with environmental transition imperatives, Qatar presents a forward-looking model that focuses on sustainable production, global positioning, and long-term partnerships that are reshaping the future from the depths of the Gulf. The expansion project consists of three phases. Phase One (East Field) includes four mega production lines, each with a capacity of 8 million tonnes per year, totaling 32 million tonnes. Phase Two (South Field) includes two additional lines with a total capacity of 16 million tonnes annually. Phase Three (West Field) is currently under development and is expected to add another 16 million tonnes per year. The West phase of the expansion project is expected to enter the construction stage by 2027, completing Qatar's national plan to boost LNG exports. Total investments in the North Field expansion project have reached approximately $82.5 billion, with QatarEnergy bearing around $59 billion of the cost. Several major global energy companies are participating in the project, including ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Shell, Eni, ConocoPhillips, and China's Sinopec. Qatar has also signed long-term LNG supply agreements with a number of European and Asian countries, most notably Germany, France, the Netherlands, China, and India. These agreements significantly contribute to the stability of global energy supplies. Qatar is emerging as a reliable strategic partner, particularly due to its adoption of low-emission liquefaction technologies, making Qatari gas among the cleanest globally. These massive projects fall under the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the national economy, sustainably invest in natural resources, and strengthen the country's role as a global energy hub. © Copyright Qatar Tribune. 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Qatar Tribune
18-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QatarEnergy wins exploration licence in Algeria
DOHA: QatarEnergy has won an onshore exploration licence in the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria as part of the 'Algeria Bid Round 2024', marking its first entry into Algeria's upstream sector. The results of the competitive bid process were announced by the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources (ALNAFT), awarding exploration and production rights for the onshore Ahara Block to a consortium comprising of QatarEnergy with an effective interest of 24.5%, TotalEnergies (the operator during the exploration phase) with an effective interest of 24.5%, and Algeria's national state-owned oil company 'Sonatrach' with an effective interest of 51%. Commenting on the award, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, President and CEO of QatarEnergy HE Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi said, "We are delighted to be awarded the Ahara Block, which marks our first entry into Algeria's upstream sector and further expands our footprint in Africa." He added, "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the Algerian Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies and ALNAFT on the successful management of this bid round. We look forward to a successful and collaborative exploration endeavor with the Ministry alongside ALNAFT, Sonatrach, and TotalEnergies." Located in eastern Algeria at the intersection of the prolific Berkine and Illizi Basins, the Ahara Block covers an area of approximately 14,900 km2.
Qatar Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Economic growth worldwide cannot be achieved without fuel: Al Kaabi
BEIJING: Minister of State for Energy Affairs, and President and CEO of QatarEnergy HE Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi has said that economic growth anywhere in the world cannot happen without fuel, adding that 'gas is the best source for fuel - that is reliable, affordable, and available to most countries'. Speaking at a leadership dialogue held during the World Gas Conference (WGC) in Beijing, Minister Al Kaabi reaffirmed that while we need all kinds of fuels and a wide energy mix, gas will be the backbone of growth in all economies, and it is here to stay for the next century. Minister Al Kaabi said each country will have a different energy mix than the other, depending on intermittency variables such as when the sun does not shine, or when the wind does not blow, or when the rain does not fall. "For us in Qatar," he added, "we have plenty of sunshine and today we are meeting 15 percent of our electricity demand from solar power, and we are working to double that to 30 percent." Answering a question on the net-zero as an environmental target, Minister Al Kaabi stated that while many countries and companies announced commitment to net-zero, it is clear now that many are backtracking as people realize it is very difficult to achieve net-zero by 2050 without a real plan and without consideration to their needs for energy and for economic growth. He said: "The State of Qatar and QatarEnergy were amongst the very few countries and companies who said they would not be able to meet net zero." Speaking on the progress of Qatar's North Field expansion, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: "We will be starting the first LNG train from the North Field East development which has a 32 million ton per annum LNG production capacity by mid next year. Subsequently, other trains will come online after that. As for North Field West, it is in the engineering phase and will be going into the construction phase somewhere in 2027. We will more than double of LNG production from the current 77 million tons to 160 million including production from our Golden Pass project in Texas, which will come online later this year." "QatarEnergy will be the largest single LNG exporter as a company. While Qatar, as a country, will be the second largest exporter of LNG after the United States for a very long time," Minister Al Kaabi said. "We will play a very big role in helping economies around the world to flourish and to grow, with the cleanest fossil fuel available." Minister Al Kaabi said QatarEnergy was doubling its production capacity in many parts of the petrochemical industry and is building the world's largest ethane cracker in the United States, which is expected to start production in the first quarter of 2027; and the largest ethane cracker in the MENA region that is being built in Ras Laffan and is also expected to begin production in early 2027. "So, between these two projects, this is the largest single investment by one company with CPChem, our good partners in both projects," the Minister added. On relations with China and the role it plays in the energy industry, he said: "China's growth is tremendous. They are creating a good energy mix and their ambition for renewables has far surpassed their plans. They are adding gas to their growth requirements. China is our biggest buyer of LNG and a partner in our NFE and NFS expansion. We are also building a large number of ships in China as part of our historic LNG shipbuilding program." The World Gas Conference is the premier gathering of the global gas and energy industry. Themed 'Energizing a Sustainable Future', WGC2025 marks the first time it is held in China. Taking place in Beijing from May 19 to 23, the Conference is expected to attract unprecedented participation, with over 30,000 attendees from 70 countries and 300 exhibitors, domestic and international, making the Conference a unique opportunity to engage with emerging and established markets globally.
Qatar Tribune
18-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Kahramaa holds 2025 Annual Planning Forum
DOHA: The Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) organised its 2025 Annual Planning Forum under the slogan 'Innovation and Excellence for Global Leadership'. The forum was attended by Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi. The two-day forum was convened this year to discuss Kahramaa's strategic plan for the next five years, review its main pillars, and outline aspirations for the coming period, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, while reaffirming the corporation's commitment to its social responsibilities. It also emphasized Kahramaa's ongoing dedication to keeping pace with future changes, meeting societal aspirations, and supporting Qatar's comprehensive development journey by deliberating the corporation's work plans and directions for the upcoming five years, reflecting its continuous pursuit of institutional excellence and sustainable quality. On this occasion, Minister of State for Energy Affairs emphasized in his opening speech the importance of the forum as a strategic platform for achieving sustainable development, stating: "Holding this forum under the theme 'Innovation and Excellence for Global Leadership' is not merely a slogan, but a practical approach that reflects our orientation towards strengthening innovation as a key pillar in enhancing institutional performance and elevating service quality to the highest international standards." He also highlighted Kahramaa's role in supporting the country's development efforts, saying: "We actively encourage the adoption of leading global practices in management, quality, and innovation, and we support Kahramaa's continued pursuit of excellence, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency, added value for the national economy, and reinforcing Qatar's status as a leading hub for development and sustainability." The Minister stressed the importance of projecting a professional and honorable image, noting that employees serve as the corporation's frontline in customer interactions. He underscored the value of positive communication and the necessity of fostering trust with both citizens and residents. In another address delivered during the forum, President of Kahramaa Abdulla Ali Al-theyab stressed the importance of institutional excellence as a key pillar of Kahramaa's strategic vision, stating: "Excellence is not just a slogan it's a continuous commitment to achieving the highest standards in performance and creating tangible added value for our customers, employees, partners, and society. Building on this path, Kahramaa is currently implementing a project to adopt the European Excellence Model and the Qatar Government Excellence Model, both of which play pivotal roles in achieving top levels of quality and innovation." The forum represents a major milestone within the corporation's annual institutional planning cycle, during which Kahramaa's five-year strategic plan is presented and discussed. The opening session included an overview of the business plan, anticipated scenarios for the future of the electricity, water, and economic sectors, along with a review of the various departmental plans for the coming five years. Dedicated sessions were held to present the plans of the Electricity Sector and the Technical Affairs Sector on the first day, while the second day focused on the plans for the Water Affairs Sector and the Shared Services Sector, in addition to the plans of supporting institutional departments. This approach ensures institutional integration and enhances the quality and effectiveness of strategic planning. The forum aims to support institutional coordination and integration, review the corporation's strategic directions, and contribute to the optimal utilization of available resources, improving service efficiency, and reinforcing sustainability at the highest levels. The event witnessed active participation and fruitful exchanges of ideas and initiatives, providing a clear reflection of the spirit of institutional work that characterizes Kahramaa in its pursuit of innovation and institutional excellence for global leadership.
Qatar Tribune
15-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatarisation is key strategic goal for energy sector: Al Kaabi
Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy HE Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi has affirmed that Qatarisation continues to remain a key strategic objective for Qatar's energy sector, and praised the sector's efforts to fulfill its commitments. This came during Al Kaabi's presidency of the Energy Sector's 25th annual Qatarisation Review meeting in the presence of senior executives and representatives from the companies participating in the Energy Sector Strategic Qatarization Plan. 'On our 25th anniversary, I can comfortably say that Qatarization has grown beyond being a policy into becoming a transformative force that is enabling more and more achievements across our sector,' Al Kaabi said. He praised efforts to further improve their Strategic Workforce and Qatarization Planning processes and to ensure that plans are aligned with each organisation's vision and corporate objectives. The minister also provided an overview of some of the energy sector's strategic projects and investments across the energy value chain, which require the development of a workforce that will help maximize returns on the investments. (QNA) page 6
