Latest news with #GECF
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman takes leading role in regional gas sector growth: GECF
MUSCAT: Oman is emerging as a regional leader in natural gas development, with expansion activities underway across the entire value chain—upstream, midstream, and export—according to the latest Global Gas Outlook report by the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). Headquartered in Doha, the GECF is committed to making 'natural gas the pivotal resource for inclusive and sustainable development' and aiming 'to shape the energy future as a global advocate of natural gas and a platform for cooperation and dialogue.' The 2025 edition of the report highlights Oman's growing prominence as a gas producer and exporter in the Middle East, particularly as it expands its liquefaction capacity. While liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are set to remain the mainstay of gas trade, the country's role in the sector is becoming increasingly strategic. 'In 2023, Oman exported 12 million tonnes (Mt) of LNG, with over 90 per cent of shipments directed to the Asia Pacific region. These exports are projected to remain steady at 10 Mt by 2030, gradually declining to 8 Mt by 2040, and further decreasing to 6 Mt by 2050,' the report noted. Oman's liquefaction complex at Qalhat recently completed a multi-year upgrade that boosted nameplate capacity from 10.4 Mtpa to 11.5 Mtpa. Actual production climbed to a record 11.98 Mtpa in 2024, pushing LNG revenues to historic highs. Further expansion is planned with the addition of a 1 Mtpa LNG bunkering facility at Sohar. 'In early 2024, the country, in partnership with TotalEnergies, reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) to develop the Marsa LNG project. Set to commence operations in 2028, it will become the Middle East's first LNG bunkering hub—positioning LNG as a cleaner marine fuel and supporting decarbonisation in the shipping sector,' the report explained. Notably, the report omits reference to a planned fourth LNG train at Qalhat, announced by the Omani government in July 2023. The proposed 3.8 Mtpa train would raise the complex's total capacity to approximately 15.2 Mtpa. However, a final investment decision is pending the availability of uncommitted gas feedstock and long-term offtake agreements. On the upstream side, Oman's natural gas production has also seen robust growth. Output rose to 39 billion cubic metres (bcm) in 2023, up from 33 bcm in 2020. This growth was driven largely by the Khazzan-Makarem field, which accounted for 33 per cent of total production in 2023, as well as upstream development linked to the Marsa LNG project, the report stated. All of Oman's gas production currently comes from onshore fields, positioning the country as a key contributor to regional onshore output growth. Exploration activity is also accelerating. In 2023, Oman awarded three new onshore blocks in the southern Rub al Khali Basin, near Block 6, covering more than 20,000 square kilometres. The government has since launched a direct award initiative offering six additional blocks—43A, 43B, 66, 73, 75, and 76—for exploration. The report noted that further investments will target smaller greenfield projects and optimise production from brownfield sites, aiming to enhance recovery rates and operational efficiency. Oman's strategy focuses on balancing domestic demand with export ambitions—particularly to Asia—while integrating decarbonisation technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) to meet global sustainability goals. An investor-friendly regulatory environment further supports this vision, the report added. Looking ahead, the report concludes: 'Oman is expected to sustain its gas production through the forecast period, reaching 43 bcm by 2050. Achieving this target will require successful exploration, with Yet-to-Find (YTF) resources projected to contribute 60 per cent of total production by mid-century.' 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
23-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman seen as regional leader in gas projects
Oman is emerging as a regional leader in natural gas development, with expansion activities underway across the entire value chain - upstream, midstream, and export - according to the latest Global Gas Outlook report by the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). The 2025 edition of the report highlights Oman's growing prominence as a gas producer and exporter in the Middle East, particularly as it expands its liquefaction capacity. While liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are set to remain the mainstay of gas trade, the country's role in the sector is becoming increasingly strategic. 'In 2023, Oman exported 12 million tonnes (Mt) of LNG, with over 90 per cent of shipments directed to the Asia Pacific region. These exports are projected to remain steady at 10 Mt by 2030, gradually declining to 8 Mt by 2040, and further decreasing to 6 Mt by 2050,' the report said. Oman's liquefaction complex at Qalhat recently completed a multi-year upgrade that boosted nameplate capacity from 10.4 Mtpa to 11.5 Mtpa. Actual production climbed to a record 11.98 Mtpa in 2024, pushing LNG revenues to historic highs. Further expansion is planned with the addition of a 1 Mtpa LNG bunkering facility at Sohar. 'In early 2024, the country, in partnership with TotalEnergies, reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) to develop the Marsa LNG project. Set to commence operations in 2028, it will become the Middle East's first LNG bunkering hub—positioning LNG as a cleaner marine fuel and supporting decarbonisation in the shipping sector,' the report noted. On the upstream side, Oman's natural gas production has also seen robust growth. Output rose to 39 billion cubic metres (bcm) in 2023, up from 33 bcm in 2020. This growth was driven largely by the Khazzan-Makarem field, which accounted for 33 per cent of total production in 2023, as well as upstream development linked to the Marsa LNG project, the report stated. All of Oman's gas production currently comes from onshore fields, positioning the country as a key contributor to regional onshore output growth. Exploration activity is also accelerating. In 2023, Oman awarded three new onshore blocks in the southern Rub al Khali Basin, near Block 6, covering more than 20,000 square kilometres. The government has since launched a direct award initiative offering six additional blocks—43A, 43B, 66, 73, 75, and 76—for exploration. The report noted that further investments will target smaller greenfield projects and optimise production from brownfield sites, aiming to enhance recovery rates and operational efficiency. 'Oman's strategy focuses on balancing domestic demand with export ambitions—particularly to Asia—while integrating decarbonisation technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) to meet global sustainability goals. An investor-friendly regulatory environment further supports this vision, the report said. Looking ahead, the report concludes: 'Oman is expected to sustain its gas production through the forecast period, reaching 43 bcm by 2050. Achieving this target will require successful exploration, with Yet-to-Find (YTF) resources projected to contribute 60 per cent of total production by mid-century.' (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon)
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar LNG exports' surge boosts GECF output in May
Qatar - LNG exports by GECF member countries and observers got a boost in May driven mainly by Qatar, Gas Exporting Countries Forum said in its latest monthly report. The surge in Qatar's LNG exports was supported by reduced maintenance activity compared to a year earlier, and production exceeding the facility's nameplate capacity, GECF noted. LNG exports by GECF member countries and observers got a boost in May driven mainly by Qatar, the Gas Exporting Countries Forum said in its latest monthly report. The surge in Qatar's LNG exports was supported by reduced maintenance activity compared to a year earlier, and production exceeding the facility's nameplate capacity, GECF noted. In May, LNG exports from GECF member and observer countries jumped by 8.9% (1.31mn tonnes) y-o-y, reaching 16.11mn tonnes, which is a record high for the month. The stronger LNG exports came mainly from Qatar, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago and Angola, which offset weaker LNG exports from Malaysia and Algeria. Between January and May this year, GECF LNG exports increased marginally by 1% (0.79mn tonnes) y-o-y, reaching 82.40mn tonnes. In May, global LNG exports continued to grow sharply, rising by 8% (2.61mn tonnes) y-o-y to reach 35.1mn tonnes. This marked the 10th consecutive monthly year-on-year increase in LNG exports. Higher LNG exports from both GECF and non-GECF countries drove the overall growth, offsetting a decline in LNG re-exports, the report noted. Between January and May, global LNG exports increased by 5% (8.67mn tonnes) y-o-y to reach 180.91mn tonnes, primarily supported by non-GECF exporters, while exports from GECF countries and LNG re-exports grew to a lesser extent. Non-GECF countries were the largest LNG exporters globally in May 2025, with a market share of 54%, followed by GECF countries at 45.9% and LNG re-exports at 0.1%. Compared to May 2024, the market shares of non-GECF and GECF countries increased from 53.6% and 45.6%, respectively, while the share of re-exports declined from 0.8%. 'The US, Qatar and Australia were the top three LNG exporters in May,' GECF said. In May, global LNG imports jumped by 6.9% (2.25mn tonnes) y-o-y to reach 34.75mn tonnes, marking a record high for the month. Europe continued to drive the growth in global LNG imports, followed by a smaller contribution from the Mena region, while Asia Pacific's LNG imports remained subdued. The stronger netback for US LNG delivered to Europe, compared to Asia Pacific, along with weak LNG demand in the Asia Pacific region, supported the continued strong flow of US LNG into Europe. From January to May, global LNG imports totalled 181.66mn tonnes, reflecting a y-o-y increase of 4.2% (7.36mn tonnes), primarily driven by higher European imports. In May, the Mena region's LNG imports surged by 94% (0.79mn tonnes) y-o-y, reaching 1.6479mn tonnes, driven mainly by Egypt and Kuwait. Between January and May, the Mena region's LNG imports doubled, increasing by 2.65 Mt to reach 5.3479mn tonnes. Increased LNG imports in Egypt have compensated for declining domestic gas availability to meet its gas demand. Furthermore, higher gas demand has boosted Kuwait's LNG imports, GECF noted. © Gulf Times Newspaper 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Secretary General to Highlight Strategic Role of Gas in Africa's Energy Future at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025
African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies – taking place in Cape Town on September 29-October 3 – welcomes Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), to its growing lineup of global energy leaders. Representing the world's leading gas-exporting nations, the GECF brings a multilateral perspective to critical discussions on Africa's natural gas potential, energy security and investment opportunities. As natural gas continues to emerge as a cornerstone of Africa's development agenda – driving industrialization, electrification and economic growth – the GECF is playing a pivotal role in shaping the continent's position in the global energy landscape. African nations are increasingly seen as key players in the global gas market, with expanding LNG projects and diversified energy sources poised to strengthen Africa's energy security and economic resilience. At the forefront of this shift, the GECF advocates for increased investment and strategic cooperation to unlock Africa's substantial gas potential, with a focus on monetizing resources responsibly and aligning gas development with the continent's broader energy transition goals. Africa's gas markets are experiencing rapid growth: Algeria, holding the world's 10th largest gas reserves, is expanding infrastructure to increase gas exports to Europe, targeting 200 billion cubic meters over the next five years. The Republic of Congo is emerging as a regional hub, with the offshore Marine XII gas concession and new LNG export terminals currently under development. Meanwhile, Nigeria – Africa's largest gas producer – holds over 200 trillion cubic feet of reserves and is increasing LNG production through the NLNG Train 7 expansion, which will boost output by 35%. These nations are at the forefront of transforming Africa into a leading global gas supplier, driving economic growth and energy security across the continent. While Africa is home to an estimated 620 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, a significant portion remains underdeveloped due to infrastructure, financing and regulatory hurdles. Secretary General Hamel is expected to address how regional and international investment can be mobilized to accelerate project development across the value chain, from upstream exploration to midstream infrastructure and downstream utilization. He will also speak to the GECF's vision for long-term cooperation, technological advancement and equitable resource monetization across its African member and observer states. "Africa is on the brink of a transformative shift in its energy landscape, with natural gas poised to play a central role in powering the continent's future. Through collaboration, innovation and strategic investment, we can unlock Africa's vast gas potential to drive industrialization, enhance energy security and foster sustainable economic growth. The GECF is committed to supporting these efforts, and AEW 2025 provides a platform to accelerate progress and forge the necessary partnerships,' states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. The participation of the GECF underscores AEW's status as the leading platform for policy-driven, investment-focused dialogue. Secretary General Hamel's insights will add depth to conversations around Africa's energy transition, highlighting gas as both a transition fuel and a long-term asset in achieving climate-resilient growth. By convening key decision-makers, investors and energy innovators, AEW 2025 serves as the ideal forum to advance partnerships, unlock capital and chart a sustainable and inclusive energy future for Africa – one in which gas plays a defining role. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Daily News Egypt
12-05-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt, Qatar explore deepened energy ties, joint investment opportunities
Egypt's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Kareem Badawi, visited Doha this week at the official invitation of Qatari Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, to explore avenues for expanding energy cooperation and joint investments between the two nations. The visit aligns with Egypt's broader strategy to strengthen energy security, particularly in meeting domestic demand for petroleum products and natural gas during peak consumption periods such as the summer. The Egyptian Ministry is pursuing a dual-track approach: ramping up domestic production through increased exploration and drilling, while leveraging the country's strategic geographic location to foster regional collaboration and infrastructure optimization. During high-level meetings in Doha, Badawi and Al-Kaabi discussed accelerating the launch of joint natural gas projects and finalizing long-term supply agreements to support Egypt's local energy needs. They also examined opportunities to integrate energy infrastructure between the two nations, capitalizing on their combined capabilities in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, liquefaction, and regasification. Talks further focused on strengthening collaboration in upstream activities, particularly in Qatari-operated concession areas in Egypt. QatarEnergy—an active participant in Egypt's Upstream Gateway (EUG)—is already involved in several offshore Mediterranean projects alongside ExxonMobil, including the Nefertari, Cairo, Masry, and North Marakia wells. Al-Kaabi reaffirmed QatarEnergy's interest in expanding its footprint in Egypt's energy sector. This commitment was recently demonstrated through an agreement with EGAS and Chevron, granting QatarEnergy a stake in the North Dabaa offshore concession. Minister Badawi presented a range of investment opportunities in Egypt's oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, encouraging Qatari entities to explore value-added ventures. He also proposed expanding the role of Egyptian companies in Qatar's energy sector, especially firms with expertise in engineering, project execution, operations, and maintenance. Both sides expressed interest in facilitating Egyptian participation in Qatar's infrastructure, hydrocarbons, and renewable energy projects. The ministers also reviewed prospects for broader regional cooperation within the framework of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), where both Egypt and Qatar are key members. Discussions emphasized the importance of aligning policy positions and leveraging GECF membership to support national and regional energy objectives. Headquartered in Doha, the GECF represents a powerful bloc in the global gas market, with member states collectively holding about 70% of the world's proven natural gas reserves.
