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QatarEnergy
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QatarEnergy (Arabic: قطر للطاقة), formerly Qatar Petroleum (QP),[1] is a state-owned petroleum company of Qatar. The company operates all oil and gas activities in Qatar, including exploration, production, refining, transport, and storage. The President and CEO is Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs. The company's operations are directly linked with state planning agencies, regulatory authorities, and policy making bodies. Together, revenues from oil and natural gas amount to 60% of the country's GDP. As of 2018[update] it was the third largest oil company in the world by oil and gas reserves.[2] In 2022, the company had total revenues of US$52 billion, a net income of US42.4bn,[3] and total assets of US$162 billion.[4] In 2021, QatarEnergy was the fifth largest gas company in the world.[5]
Key Information
History
[edit]Establishment
[edit]| Year | Oil | Dry | Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1940 | 1 | ||
| 1941 | 1 | ||
| 1942 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1947 - 1949 |
9 | ||
| 1948 | 3 | 0 | 16,200 |
| 1949 | ?[b] | ||
| 1950 | 5 | 0 | 41,647 |
| 1951 | 5[c] | 0 | 44,173 |
| 1952 | 9[d] | ||
| 1953 | 6 | 2[e] | 50,835 |
| 1954 | 4 | 0 | 30,017 |
| 1955 | 6 | 3 | 54,720 |
| 1956 | 1 | 4 | 39,868 |
| 1957 | 5 | 0 | 36,518 |
| 1958 | 3 | 0 | 18,070[f] |
| 1959 | 1 | 13,261 | |
| 1960 | 2 | 2 | 30,344[g] |
After World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Qatar fell within the British sphere of influence and the first onshore oil concession in the country was awarded on May 17, 1935 to British Petroleum's predecessor, the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC). Because of its obligations under the Red Line Agreement, AIOC on October 3, 1936 transferred the concession to an associate company of the Iraq Petroleum Co., Petroleum Development (Qatar) Ltd. [h] which would operate the concession. In October 1938, Dukhan No. 1 was spudded and in January 1940 struck oil flowing at 5,000bpd at a depth of 5,685ft.[21]: 15 Three wells were drilled, 1 dry (struck water in May 1942) and 2 producers (ca. 5,000bpd each; #2 completed March 1941). However, World War II delayed development, the wells were plugged out of fear of them falling into the hands of Axis forces. Drilling resumed at the end of 1947 (at year's end Dukhan No. 4 was at 5,000 ft;[24] the 2 wells plugged during the war were reopened in 1948[25]) and the first crude was exported in December 1949 with the completion of a 73-mile 14-inch pipeline (69.7 mile 100,000bpd pipeline, consisting of 17.9 miles 12+3⁄4-inch and 51.8 miles of 14+1⁄2-inch pipe;[11] the pipe manufactured in France, the pipeline designed by H. S. Austin who had been in charge of the Kirkuk-Haifa oil pipeline[20]) The line led from the field on the west coast across the peninsula to the loading dock on the east coast at Umm Said, where two twin 16-inch 4,200 ft sea loading lines reached into deep water. The French[26] tanker President Meny departed with the first load of oil on December 31, 1949. At the time there were at Umm Said 5 93,000bbl tanks, 5 130,000bbl tanks and 5 tanks of 148,000bbl each (1,855,000bbl total).[27][28][29][12][6][7]
The first offshore concessions were granted in 1949 to the International Marine Oil Company (IMOC), which was a subsidiary of Superior Oil and the London-registered Central Mining & Investment Co.[30] Superior was previously active in offshore operations in the Gulf of Mexico and in Venezuela. It was the third relatively small independent American company to get involved in the Persian Gulf after the American Independent Oil Co and Pacific Western Oil Co, which were active in the neutral zone.[31] In early[32] 1950 a controversy was settled between IPC and Superior+Central Mining in which IPC's claim to the seabed to which they felt entitled under their original concession was in part granted with IPC gaining the rights to everything within a 3 mile belt around the peninsula while Superior's concession covered everything beyond 3 miles to a distance of 12 miles.[33] IMOC did exploratory work in 1950 and 1951 with discouraging results and turned back the concession in 1951.[34] In 1952, after IMOC had withdrawn, the Shell Co.-Qatar (SCQ) acquired exploration rights to most offshore territory with a concession dated November 29, 1952.[35]: 167 In 1960 and 1963, the Idd Al-Shargi and Maydan Mahzam fields were discovered, respectively.[27] Bul Hanine, the largest offshore field, was discovered in 1970 and began producing in 1972.[36]
Shell employed the first offshore drilling platform (1,200 tons) in the Eastern Hemisphere in the waters to the east of Qatar. The first well, Matbach No. 1 was spudded at a depth of 32 ft of water in February 1955 and was abandoned at 6,706 ft in August 1955. The second test, Idd el Shargi No. 1 was abandoned in December 1956 at 11,883 ft. As the platform was being moved to Doha for modifications it got wrecked on December 27 or December 30, 1956, with several lives lost. A total of $21 million was invested in this endeavor at that point. The company built a new 209 ft-by-105 ft 5,930-ton platform, the Seashell, capable of drilling to 17.000 ft, in the Netherlands for $5 million. After commissioning in Doha Bay in December 1959,[37] Shell struck oil with the new platform with Idd el Shargi No. 2 in April 1960 at about 8,000 ft, then drilled Hadet Shibeeb No. 1 (abandoned as a dry hole in September 1960) and then struck oil with Idd el Shargi No. 3, after which the Seashell was moved in March 1961 to the Idd el Shargi No. 4 location.[38][39][40][41][42][43]
| Year | Dukhan | Shargi | Mahzam | Hanine | Bundug |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | 750 | ||||
| 1950 | 12,342 | ||||
| 1951 | 18,030 | ||||
| 1952 | 25,342 | ||||
| 1953 | 31,046 | ||||
| 1954 | 36,479 | ||||
| 1955 | 41,958 | ||||
| 1956 | 45,318 | ||||
| 1957 | 50,835 | ||||
| 1958 | 63,362 | ||||
| 1959 | 61,401 | ||||
| 1960 | 63,088 | ||||
| 1961 | 64,386 | ||||
| 1962 | 67,897 | ||||
| 1963 | 70,100 | ||||
| 1964 | 68,912 | 8,859 | |||
| 1965 | 72,312 | 11,813 | 1,094 | ||
| 1966 | 69,781 | 12,284 | 23,755 | ||
| 1967 | 70,990 | 14,405 | 32,979 | ||
| 1968 | 70,586 | 14,578 | 39,054 | ||
| 1969 | 73,309 | 13,963 | 42,374 | ||
| 1970 | 69,519 | 16,376 | 46,485 | ||
| 1971 | 81,052 | 14,677 | 61,058 | ||
| 1972 | 88,818 | 15,402 | 55,302 | 17,034 | |
| 1973 | 91,507 | 13,868 | 50,135 | 52,713 | |
| 1974 | 81,489 | 8,480 | 47,395 | 51,742 | |
| 1975 | 65,445 | 5,013 | 39,150 | 50,174 | 118 |
| 1976 | 85,567 | 5,060 | 33,078 | 50,226 | 7,469 |
| 1977 | 70,100 | 3,000 | 33,078 | 49,172 | 6,970 |
| 1978 | 84,047 | 3,505 | 29,108 | 53,037 | 4,256 |
| 1979 | 84,169 | 3,650 | 36,031 | 60,225 | 1,286 |
| 1980 | 81,900 | 6,994 | 29,998 | 58,862 | 68 |
Worker strikes
[edit]Early strikes focused on wages and conditions, and the emir encouraged strikes when negotiating new contracts to pressure concessions from the oil company.[45]
In August 1952, a coalition of workers presented their demands to Ahmad Al Thani, the son of emir Ali Al Thani. Their demands centered on improved working conditions, less foreigners in high-ranking positions, and increased wages. Ahmad rejected these demands, causing the workers to present their grievances to the British.[46] But while considering the ongoing conditions in country's labour sector, the International Labour Organization (ILO) issued new reports in November 2022, detailing the results of the Technical Cooperation Programme between the Government of Qatar and the ILO since it was launched in April 2018. The annual and four-year progress reports cover the substantial efforts that have been made in the areas of labour migration governance, the enforcement of the labour law and access to justice, and strengthening the voice of workers and social dialogue. These changes have improved the working and living conditions for hundreds of thousands of workers, though additional efforts are needed to ensure that all workers can benefit.[47]

Nationalization of oil sector
[edit]In 1973, the state seized a 25 percent stake in onshore concessions of QPC and offshore concessions of SCQ. As part of the agreement, the government stake would increase by 5 percent every year until it reached 51 percent in 1981. However, in early 1974, the initial agreement was repealed after QPC agreed to a new agreement which would allow the state to increase its share in both companies to 60 percent.[48]
In December 1974, the government officially announced its intent to acquire SCQ's and QPC's remaining shares.[49] A government decree passed in 1975 declared government ownership of the remaining shares. Negotiations throughout the following years resulted in the government assuming full ownership of QPC's onshore concessions in September 1976 and the SCQ's offshore activities in February 1977, thus fully nationalizing the oil sector.[50]
In 1991, Qatar Petroleum initiated an upgrade program for oil production facilities. The program included bringing the Diyab structure (Dukhan) online and enhanced oil recovery, particularly at the Dukhan field. QP expects to boost capacity at Dukhan from 335,000 bbl/d (53,300 m3/d) in 2006 to 350,000 bbl/d (56,000 m3/d) in 2008. QP is carrying out similar work at several smaller fields, including the offshore Bul Hanine and Maydam Mahzam. Prospects for new discoveries are limited. QP carried out much exploration activity during the early 1980s but exploration declined as the oil glut of the mid-1980s gathered pace. Since then, QP has encouraged foreign operators to apply for exploration licenses. Although the number of wells drilled grew significantly towards the end of the 1980s, there was little success. Most new exploration and production (E&P) is done offshore by international oil companies, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Total. While substantial E&P is underway, there have not been any major oil discoveries in Qatar during the last decade[when?]. Most anticipated new oil production will come from Maersk Oil (Denmark), which operates the Al Shaheen field.[needs update] Maersk reached an agreement with Qatar Petroleum in December 2005, under which the company intends to drill more than 160 production and water injection wells and establish three offshore platforms. The total oil production from Al Shaheen is planned to be gradually increased from 240,000 bbl/d (38,000 m3/d) at the beginning of 2006 to 300,000 bbl/d (48,000 m3/d) by the end of 2009.[51][needs update] When completed, Qatar would have more than 1,100,000 bbl/d (170,000 m3/d) in crude production capacity.[needs update]
In August 2019, French multinational integrated oil and gas company Total confirmed signing deals over transferring some of its assets in Kenya, Guyana and Namibia to Qatar Petroleum. With the deals, QP will hold a 30% interest in Block 2913B and 28.33% in Block 2912 of Namibia. QP will also have 40% of the company holding Total's existing 25% interests in the Orinduik and Kanuku blocks of Guyana and 25% interest in Blocks L11A, L11B and L12 of Kenya.[52]
Operations
[edit]Pipeline operations
[edit]QatarEnergy operates Qatar's oil pipeline network, which transports supplies from oil fields to the country's lone refinery and export terminals. It operates an expansive offshore pipeline network that brings crude oil from offshore oil fields to Halul Island, where oil can be processed for export. Onshore, most oil is sent to Umm Said for refining or export. Qatar has three primary export terminals: Umm Said, Halul Island,[53] and Ras Laffan. Qatar typically exports around 600,000 bbl/d (95,000 m3/d) of crude and about 20,000 bbl/d (3,200 m3/d) of refined petroleum products. Most exports go to Asia, with Japan as the single largest receiver (about 380,000 bbl/d (60,000 m3/d) of crude in 2006).
Refining operations
[edit]Refining is carried out by two refineries - QatarEnergy Refinery in Umm Said and Laffan Refinery in Ras Laffan.[54] Besides Qatar Petroleum has two joint ventures with South African Sasol (Oryx GTL) and Anglo-Dutch Shell (Pearl GTL) which are producing synthetic petroleum products (GTL-naphtha, GTL-diesel) from natural gas using Gas-to-Liquids technology.
Qatar's first refinery was built in Umm Said in 1953. The first revamp of the Refinery was completed in 1974. By the early 1980s, growth in local consumption was such that Qatar began importing refined products. In 1983, a 50,000 bbl/d (7,900 m3/d) refinery came online at Umm Said. Currently, Umm Said Refinery has a refining capacity of 137,000 bbl/d (21,800 m3/d).[55]
Laffan Refinery (RL1) came on-stream in September 2009. The Refinery has a processing capacity of 146,000 barrels (23,200 m3) per stream day and utilizes the field condensate produced at South Pars / North Dome Gas-Condensate field. After the revamp of the refinery is completed (RL2) it will have the processing capacity of 292,000 bbl/d (46,400 m3/d).[56]
North Field LNG project
[edit]On 8 February 2021, the world's largest LNG supplier, Qatar Petroleum (now QatarEnergy), signed an EPC-contract with Chiyoda and Technip for the North Field East (NFE) expansion project to increase QE's annually LNG output by 40% until 2026.[57][58]
For the $28.7 billion NFE expansion project, QatarEnergy has partnered with five global energy companies that have acquired 25% stake in the project. These include Shell, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil, each with 6.25%, and Eni and ConocoPhillips, each with 3.125% stakes.[59] In a first phase, LNG export capacity is expected to increase from 77 million tons per year to 110 million tons per year by 2026.[60][61][62][63]
On 20 June 2022, Minister of State for Energy Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi said at a press conference at the QatarEnergy that the expected production increase from this project will be 32.6 million tonnes annually. Ethane produced from the project would be 1.5 million tonnes per year, LPG 4 million tonnes per year, 250.000 barrels of condensate and 5.000 tonnes of helium per day.[64]
In a second phase, the North Field South (NFS) project, Shell and TotalEnergies have each acquired 9.375% and ConocoPhillips 6.25% stakes. QatarEnergy plans to increase LNG production with the NFS project to 126 million tons per year beginning in 2028.[57][59]
In April 2023, Sinopec acquired a 5% stake in an 8 million tonnes per year LNG train.[65][66][67] In October 2023, QatarEnergy announced that it would provide 1 million tons a year of LNG from Qatar's North Field expansion project for 27 years to Eni. The long-term sale and purchase agreement will begin in 2026, where supplies will be delivered to the floating storage and regasification port unit in Piombino, Tuscany.[68][69]
In the coming years, the Qatar government aims to significantly boost LNG production capacity, increasing it by 64 percent, reaching 126 million tons per year from the current 77 million.[70] This will be further enhanced when production increases through the North Field Expansion (NFE) between 2025 and 2027.[71] QatarEnergy is interested in increasing LNG production capacity by 49 mtpa (from 77 mtpa to 126 mtpa). QatarEnergy has inked LNG sale and purchase agreements with its joint venture partners for up to 18 mtpa, 38% of the capacity increase.[72]
In September 2023, QatarEnergy ordered 17 LNG carriers to be built at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for $3.9 billion. In February 2024, they selected Nakilat to own and operate 25 LNG carriers in the second batch of their LNG fleet expansion.[73] In April 2024, the contract to build 18 LNG carriers was given to China State Shipbuilding Corporation.[74]
Dolphin Project
[edit]Qatar Petroleum is part of the Dolphin Gas Project, which connects the natural gas networks of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar with the first cross-border natural gas pipeline in the Persian Gulf region. The project is being developed by Dolphin Energy, a consortium owned by Mubadala Development on behalf of the Abu Dhabi government (51 percent), Total (24.5 percent), and Occidental Petroleum (24.5 percent). The Dolphin Project made significant progress in 2006. Construction was completed on all the project's upstream and downstream components by year-end except the gas processing plant located at Ras Laffan. A company spokesperson announced in March 2007 that it tested receiving and distribution facilities in the UAE, and expected to begin operations in June 2007. The 260-mile (420 km) long Dolphin Energy Pipeline currently sends 400 million cubic feet (11 million cubic metres) per day of natural gas supplies from the North field to markets in the UAE and Oman.[75]
Gas-to-liquids
[edit]GTL projects received significant attention in Qatar the last several years, and Qatar's government originally set a target of developing 400,000 bbl/d (64,000 m3/d) of capacity by 2012. However, cancellations and delays substantially lowered this. In February 2007, ExxonMobil canceled its Palm GTL project, which was slated to produce 154,000 bbl/d (24,500 m3/d). The company will instead develop the Barzan Gas Project, scheduled to supply 1.5 billion cubic feet (42 million cubic metres) per day by 2012. The Oryx GTL plant is a joint venture of QP and Sasol-Chevron GTL, and has a 34,000 bbl/d (5,400 m3/d) capacity. The plant was commissioned in June 2006, but technical problems prevented the consortium from loading the first export until April 2007. In February 2007, Royal Dutch Shell held a groundbreaking ceremony for its Pearl GTL Project. The Pearl plant will be 51 percent-owned by QP, though Shell will operate the project with a 49 percent stake. The facility is expected to use natural gas feedstock to produce 140,000 bbl/d (22,000 m3/d) of GTL products. The project will be developed in phases, with 70,000 bbl/d (11,000 m3/d) capacity expected by 2010 and a second phase expected in 2011. The Pearl project will be the first integrated GTL operation in the world, meaning it will have upstream production integrated with the onshore conversion plant.[76]
International business
[edit]Europe
[edit]Germany
[edit]QatarEnergy signed an agreement with a group of German companies to provide energy. As per HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, will sign liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply deals with European customers this year summer, that accompany expansion of the project.[77] Annalena Baerbock praised the bilateral relations and also called for expanding global cooperation in the renewable energy sector. Baerbock also thanked Qatar for its repatriation operation in Afghanistan and the progress made by the State of Qatar in the field of human rights, adding that was a role model in this field, particularly due to its cooperation with the International Labor Organization.[78][79]
Hungary
[edit]Hungary and Qatar have signed a gas exportation deal as Europe diversifies its energy sources.[80] Hungary will begin receiving shipments of LNG from Qatar starting in 2027, following an agreement between the two countries.[81] The agreement is a political one, with talks between QatarEnergy LNG and Hungary's MVM Group to determine the quantity, pace, and shipment route of the supplied gas. Hungary's demand for LNG has surged due to sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russia after the war on Ukraine. Qatar reclaimed its position as the largest LNG exporter in 2022 with 80 million tons of LNG. The Gulf country plans to supply 40% of all new LNG entering the global market by 2029.[82]
Italy
[edit]In October 2023, QatarEnergy signed LNG supply deal with Italy's Eni for 27 years. Affiliates of QatarEnergy and Eni signed a long-term sale and purchase agreement for up to 1 million tons per year (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar's North Field expansion project.[83][84]
France
[edit]On 11 October 2023, France’s TotalEnergies has agreed to buy liquefied natural gas from Qatar for 27 years, cementing the European nation’s commitment to fossil fuels beyond 2050. According to two long-term agreements, QatarEnergy, the country's largest energy provider, will send up to 3.5 million tons of LNG to France each year.[85][86]
Asia
[edit]Bangladesh
[edit]In June 2023, QatarEnergy and PetroBangla signed a 15-year contract for the supply of 1.8 million tonnes of LNG per year starting in 2026.[87][88][89] Qatar is trying to secure buyers for supply from expansion projects by providing shorter and less expensive liquefied natural gas contracts. The world's largest LNG expansion project is being built by QatarEnergy, which also signed the agreement with Bangladesh. It seeks to increase output by more than 60% by the year 2027.[90]
China
[edit]China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the largest gas importer in the country, is in the late stages of finalizing a huge long-term LNG import deal with Qatar. The QatarEnergy-Sinopec agreement was also the first long-term LNG off-take agreement from the NFE Expansion project. Qatar's North Field East and North Field South (NFS) projects are expected to come online in 2026 and 2027, respectively. QatarEnergy signed an agreement with a group of German companies to provide energy.[91][92]
In June 2023, QatarEnergy signed a 27-year deal with China National Petroleum Corporation for 4 million metric tons of LNG to be delivered yearly. This is the second agreement that Qatar has made with a Chinese company in less than a year. In November 2022, Sinopec and QatarEnergy made a similar deal.[93] Both CNPC and Sinopec also have an equity stake in the Qatar North Field eastern expansion which amounts to about 5% of an LNG train of 8 million metric tons of year.[94]
India
[edit]A long-term deal was made in August 2023 between QE and GAIL (India) Ltd. for more than 1 million metric tons of LNG per year for 20 years.[95] On 6 February 2024, QatarEnergy signed a supply deal with Petronet LNG for 7.5 million metric tons a year of LNG from 2028 to 2048. The agreement was to renew an existing deal with Petronet that expires in 2028 for the same amount of yearly LNG deliveries.[96][97]
Japan
[edit]In July 2023, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani of Qatar, agreed to increase LNG supplies in the future and therefore change the relationship between the two countries to be strategic and specifically emphasizing on energy, economy, security and defence. Previously existing LNG contracts expired between the two countries back in 2021 and 2022.[98] In November 2022, QatarEnergy signed a charter contract with Japan's Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) for three LNG carriers to be built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding and delivered by 2027.[99] In February 2024, QE signed a deal with Mitsui & Co. for the supply of 11 million barrels of condensate to be delivered yearly for the next 10 years starting April 2024.[100][101]
Kuwait
[edit]In January 2020, Qatar Petroleum signed a 15-year agreement with Kuwait to supply 3 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year.[102]
Lebanon
[edit]In January 2023, QatarEnergy has joined TotalEnergies and Italy's Eni in a three-way consortium to explore oil and gas in two maritime blocks off the coast of Lebanon.[103]
Qatar
[edit]In August 2023, QE and Woqod made a sales and purchase agreement for petroleum products and LPG which will extend their current agreement for a further 5 years, until 2028.[104][105]
United Arab Emirates
[edit]In July 2023, QatarEnergy and the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) signed a contract to supply 120 million barrels of condensate over 10 years.[106][107]
Taiwan
[edit]In June 2024, QatarEnergy made a 27 year LNG sales and purchase agreement with CPC of Taiwan for 4 metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG.[108]
North America
[edit]Canada
[edit]In March 2023, QatarEnergy signed an agreement to acquire stakes in two Canadian exploration blocks offshore Newfoundland and Labrador from ExxonMobil. After initially acquiring a 40% stake in Licence EL 1165A from Exxon in 2021, QE acquired stakes of 28% in Licence EL 1167 and 40% in Licence EL 1162.[109][110][111]
United States
[edit]QatarEnergy has signed a 15-year contract with Koch Fertilizer LLC, a fertilizer producer based in the United States, to deliver approximately 0.74 million tons of urea per year starting in July 2024. This agreement enables QatarEnergy, a major player in the global energy market, to supply urea, which is primarily used for agricultural purposes, to markets in the United States and other countries.[112]
Africa
[edit]Namibia
[edit]QatarEnergy and the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Namibia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in early April 2023 to improve energy cooperation. A signing ceremony was held at QatarEnergy's headquarters in Doha where CEO of QatarEnergy, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi and Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy of Namibia, signed the MoU. QE already holds interests in three exploration licences offshore Namibia.[113][114][115]
Egypt
[edit]In May 2024, QatarEnergy signed an agreement for stakes in two exploration sites in the Cairo and Masry concessions off the coast of Egypt. The agreement is a long-term partnership with ExxonMobile, Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company and the Egyptian Ministry of Petrolium and Mineral Resources.[116]
South America
[edit]Republic of Suriname
[edit]In July 2024, QatarEnergy and Chevron signed an agreement for 20% working interest in block 5 off the coast of Suriname.[117]
Brazil
[edit]In June 2023, QatarEnergy joined together with Petronas, Petrobas and TotalEnergies for a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for the ultra-deep water exploration block at Agua Marinha located in the Campos basin near the coast of Brazil. They will operate the PSC with a 20% interest, the same as Petronas while Petrobas and TotalEnergies will have 30% interest.[118][119][120]
Subsidiaries
[edit]Qatar Petrochemical Co.
[edit]Qatar was the first Persian Gulf state to build its own petrochemical industry. The Qatar Petrochemical Co. (QAPCO) was established on 9 November 1974, by Emiri Decree No. 109, as a joint venture between QP (84 percent) and CdF (Chimie de France) and began production of ethylene, low-density polyethylene, and sulfur in 1981. In August 1990, QP's interest in QAPCO was reduced to 80 percent, with the remaining 20 percent split equally between Enimont (Italy), and Elf Aquitaine (France) through its Atochem subsidiary. The importance of reliable gas supplies was demonstrated in the early years of QAPCO, which were marred by shortages of ethane feedstock arising from fluctuations of associated gas production along with movements of oil prices. QAPCO's facilities consist of an ethylene plant producing 840,000 metric tons per annum (MTPA), three low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plants with 780,000 MTPA and a sulphur plant with 70,000 MTPA. Current shareholders are Industries Qatar (80 percent) and TotalEnergies (20 percent).[121]
Qatar Fertiliser Co.
[edit]The Qatar Fertiliser Co. (QAFCO) was founded in 1969 as a joint venture between the Qatari government, Norsk Hydro Norway, Davy Power and Hambros Bank, to produce ammonia and urea. The company is now owned by Industries Qatar (75 percent) and Yara International (25 percent). QAFCO inaugurated its first plant in 1973 with a design daily capacity of 900 tons of ammonia and 1000 tons of urea. The QAFCO complex in Mesaieed City comprises four completely integrated trains; each train is made up of two units, one for production of ammonia and the other for urea, besides a urea formaldehyde unit. QAFCO total annual production capacity now is 2.0 MMT of ammonia and 2.8 MMT of urea, making QAFCO the world's largest single site producer of urea.[122] A new plant expansion was scheduled to be completed in early 2011 (QAFCO 5), using Snamprogetti and Haldor Topsoe design. The increase in ammonia production will be 4600 metric ton/day.
Qatar Chemical Co.
[edit]The Qatar Chemical Co. is a Qatari company owned by Mesaieed Holding Company Company(MPHC) 49 percent, Chevron Phillips Chemical International Qatar Holdings LLC (Chevron Phillips Chemical Qatar) 49 percent, and Qatar Petroleum (QP) 2 percent. MPHC is majority owned by QP. The Q-Chem facility is a world-class integrated petrochemical plant capable of producing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), 1-hexene, and other products. Over US $1 billion was invested to engineer, construct, and commission the Q-Chem facility, which began operations in late 2002. The Q-Chem complex in Mesaieed Industrial City comprises an ethylene unit (capable of producing 500,000 metric tons per annum (mtpa)), a polyethylene facility (capable of 453,000 mtpa), and a 1-hexene unit (capable of 47,000 mtpa). Q-Chem assets also include a sulfur recovery and solidification unit, a bagging and storage warehouse, a nitrogen unit, a water treatment plant, seawater cooling system, dock facilities and various administrative buildings.
Qatar Vinyl Co. (QVC)
[edit]Qatar Vinyl Company was established in 1997 and is located in Mesaieed Industrial City approximately 40 km South of Doha. The location of the plant is advantageous in terms of land, infrastructure, general utilities, safety, security and telecommunication. The plant has access to port infrastructure with sufficient capacity to accommodate vessels up to 55,000 tonnes for the import of salt and export of caustic soda, EDC and VCM.
The facilities were constructed by Krupp Uhde GmBH and Technip Italy.
Project completion was achieved approximately 30 months after signing of the EPC Contract, with start up of the facilities taking place during the second quarter of 2001. The initial workforce numbered around 180 employees. Qatar Vinyl Co. (QVC) shareholders are Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Company (55.2 percent), QAPCO (31.9 percent) and QatarEnergy (12.9 percent).[123]
Other subsidiaries
[edit]- Qatar Liquefied Gas Co. Ltd. (QatarEnergy LNG; other shareholders are ExxonMobil, Total, Mitsui, Marubeni)
- Qatar Fuel Additives Co. Ltd. (QAFAC; other shareholders are OPIC Middle East Corp., International Octane Ltd. and LCY Investments Corp.)
- Qatar Petroleum International (QPI) (100 per cent Owned)
- Qatalum- 50-50 joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Norsk Hydro[124]
- Qatofin Company Limited (Joint venture between Qatar Petrochemical Co. (QAPCO), TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy).[125]
- Fereej Real Estate Co. QSC - Property investment, Facilities management and PM Services
- North Oil Company - 70% JV with Total that operates Al Shaheen Oil Field
References
[edit]- ^ "Qatar Petroleum changes name to Qatar Energy signalling new strategy". Reuters. 11 October 2021. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
- ^ "Qatar Petroleum to participate in Oman's largest oil and gas event". www.zawya.com. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
- ^ "Qatar Energy's 2022 profit surges to $42.5 billion". Reuters. 18 July 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
- ^ "Summary Consolidated Financial Statements" (PDF). QatarEnergy. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
- ^ "Russian oil and gas: headed for long-term decline?". Financial Times. 7 June 2022. Retrieved 14 June 2022.
- ^ a b "Oil From Qatar". The Oil and Gas Journal. Vol. 48, no. 38. 26 January 1950. p. 166.
- ^ a b c "Development of the Dukhan Field, Qatar". The Petroleum Engineer. Vol. 22, no. 5. May 1950. p. 149.
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Notes
[edit]| Source | Reference | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Information Administration | Qatar: Country Analysis | 2011 |
| Energy Information Administration | Iran: Country Analysis | 2010 |
| USGS | Northern Qatar Arch Extension - Zagros Fold Belt Province | 2004 |
| International Energy Agency | World Energy Outlook | 2009 |
| International Energy Agency | Natural Gas Market Review 2009 | 2009 |
| International Energy Agency | Overseas Investments by China's National Oil Companies | 2011 |
| Qatar Petroleum | Annual Report | 2009 |
| Niels Fabricius | The Qatar Shell Gas to Liquids Project | 2004 |
| Oil and Gas Directory Middle East | Qatar | 2009 |
- ^
- ^ These numbers don't add up. According to,[19] there were 9 producers at the end of 1949; according to [20] there were 9 in September 1949
- ^ 6 wells drilled in total including 1 observation well
- ^ Kharib No. 1 found nothing in the middle of the peninsula.[21]: 16
- ^ Kharaib No. 2 found nothing in the middle of the peninsula.[21]: 16
- ^ Cumulative footage drilled to end of 1958 was 442,832ft
- ^ 1 producer and 1 dry (wildcat Fuwairat No. 1); 13,344ft drilled onshore[22]
- ^ incorporated August 1936; renamed Qatar Petroleum Co. Ltd (QPC) on June 24, 1953[23]
External links
[edit]- QAFCO Website
- QChem Website Archived 2011-05-18 at the Wayback Machine
QatarEnergy
View on GrokipediaQatarEnergy is the state-owned energy corporation of the State of Qatar, tasked with the sustainable development of the country's oil and natural gas resources across the full value chain from exploration and production to processing, refining, transportation, and marketing.[1] Established in 1974 as the Qatar General Petroleum Corporation, it manages operations stemming from discoveries dating back to the 1939 drilling of Dukhan-1, Qatar's first oil well, and subsequent offshore fields like Bul Hanine brought online in 1972.[2] Renamed from Qatar Petroleum in October 2021 to reflect a broader strategic focus on energy efficiency and global market positioning, the company leverages Qatar's vast reserves, particularly the North Field—the world's largest non-associated natural gas reserve—to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG).[3][4] QatarEnergy operates 14 LNG trains with a current production capacity of 77 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA), making it one of the world's top LNG suppliers, and is expanding through the North Field East and South projects to reach 142 MTPA by 2030, nearly doubling output and solidifying its dominance in global LNG markets.[5][6][4] This expansion includes international joint ventures, such as stakes in U.S. LNG facilities, enhancing Qatar's role in supplying cleaner-burning fuels amid rising global demand. Beyond hydrocarbons, QatarEnergy supports downstream industries producing petrochemicals, fertilizers, and refined products, contributing significantly to Qatar's economy, which derives over 50% of GDP from energy exports.[1] While its rapid growth has drawn scrutiny over labor practices in mega-projects and environmental impacts, the company's operational efficiency and reserve base—holding the third-largest proven natural gas reserves globally—underscore its pivotal position in energy geopolitics.[4]
History
Establishment and Early Development
Qatar Petroleum was established on 4 July 1974 through Decree Law No. 10, which created a state-owned corporation tasked with managing all aspects of the petroleum industry in Qatar and abroad, including exploration, drilling, production, refining, transportation, and marketing of oil and gas.[7][8][9] Initially named the Qatar General Petroleum Corporation (QGPC), the entity was formed amid rising resource nationalism in the Middle East, aiming to assert greater government control over hydrocarbon resources previously dominated by foreign concessions granted since the 1930s.[10][11] The company's early operations focused on negotiating participation agreements with international oil companies (IOCs) holding concessions, such as Petroleum Development (Qatar) Ltd., an affiliate of the Iraq Petroleum Company.[11] These agreements allowed Qatar Petroleum to acquire up to 60% state interest in existing fields without immediate full nationalization, preserving technical expertise from partners like Shell while aligning with OPEC's push for producer-state involvement.[12] This model facilitated the continuation and expansion of production from the onshore Dukhan field—discovered in 1940 with initial output starting in 1949—and early offshore developments, including the first crude exports in 1949 and subsequent gas initiatives.[2][11] By the late 1970s, Qatar Petroleum had consolidated oversight of Qatar's nascent industry, which traced back to the 1935 onshore concession and post-World War II infrastructure buildup, enabling steady growth in oil output amid global energy demands.[2][12] The corporation's establishment marked a shift toward integrated national management, setting the stage for later expansions while navigating production quotas and revenue distribution under state direction.[13]Nationalization and Sector Consolidation
In the early 1970s, Qatar initiated the nationalization of its oil sector amid broader OPEC-driven efforts to assert greater control over hydrocarbon resources. In 1973, the government acquired a 25% stake in onshore oil concessions held by foreign operators, primarily subsidiaries of companies like Shell and British Petroleum.[14] This was followed by an increase to 60% participation in December 1974, reflecting escalating demands for resource sovereignty in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis.[15] By 1976, further expropriations targeted offshore operations, culminating in full nationalization of both onshore and offshore activities in 1977, after which former concession holders were transitioned to service contracts under state oversight rather than ownership.[16][17] These steps, including partial measures in 1972, 1974, 1976, and 1977, centralized resource extraction under Qatari authority, reducing foreign dominance that had persisted since the original 1935 concession to the Qatar Petroleum Company.[18] To manage these nationalized assets, the Qatar General Petroleum Corporation (QGPC) was established in 1974 through Law No. 10, serving as the state entity responsible for overseeing oil and gas operations.[8] In 1976, the Qatar Petroleum Producing Authority (QPPA) was created to assume direct control of production previously handled by foreign firms such as the Qatar Petroleum Company (QPC) and Shell Company of Qatar (SCQ).[19] Sector consolidation advanced in 1980 when, under Decree No. 72, QGPC merged with QPPA, integrating exploration, production, and related functions into a unified national framework and eliminating fragmented state entities.[20] This merger streamlined governance, enhanced operational efficiency, and positioned the consolidated entity—later evolving into Qatar Petroleum—as the sole steward of Qatar's hydrocarbon sector, facilitating coordinated development amid fluctuating global oil markets.[19]Expansion Under Qatar Petroleum
Following the lifting of the North Field development moratorium in November 2017, after a 12-year pause imposed in 2005 to assess reservoir impacts, Qatar Petroleum initiated restarts on expanding the world's largest gas field, shared with Iran as the South Pars field.[21] This move enabled appraisal drilling and subsequent mega-projects to boost liquefied natural gas (LNG) output. In November 2019, Qatar Petroleum announced plans to increase its LNG production capacity from 77 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 126 mtpa by 2027, incorporating results from recent North Field drilling that confirmed additional reserves.[22] The expansion included the North Field East project, featuring four new liquefaction trains each with 8 mtpa capacity, positioning Qatar as the dominant global LNG supplier.[23] Qatar Petroleum also consolidated ownership of key assets, such as acquiring full control of Qatargas 1 in March 2021—the nation's first LNG plant with 10 mtpa capacity, originally established in 1984 as a joint venture where QP held 65%.[24] Concurrently, the company expanded internationally through its trading arm, Qatar Petroleum Trading, securing spot LNG supply tenders to markets in Pakistan, India, and Taiwan, while pursuing financing via a planned debut U.S. dollar bond sale.[23][25] These efforts, led by CEO Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi since 2014, focused on core hydrocarbon growth amid global energy shifts.[26]Renaming to QatarEnergy and Strategic Shifts
On October 11, 2021, Qatar Petroleum rebranded to QatarEnergy, as announced internally and reported by state media, with CEO and Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi confirming the change to encompass a wider energy portfolio including natural gas, petrochemicals, and emerging low-carbon technologies.[27] [28] The rebranding was positioned as signaling a strategic pivot toward energy efficiency, environmentally friendly innovations, and adaptation to global energy transition demands, though the company's core hydrocarbon operations remained central.[29] [30] Post-rebranding, QatarEnergy's strategy emphasized expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production via the North Field East and West projects, targeting an increase from approximately 77 million tonnes per annum to 126 million tonnes by 2027, alongside joint ventures with international partners like ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies to secure markets and technology.[31] This LNG focus, which accounts for over 70% of Qatar's export revenues, underscores a commitment to maintaining fossil fuel dominance rather than rapid divestment, with officials stating no plans to sell assets for renewable shifts.[32] Complementary efforts included investments in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), solar power via subsidiaries like QatarEnergy Renewables, and blue hydrogen/ammonia projects, such as memoranda of understanding for export facilities aiming for production by the late 2020s.[33] In 2023, QatarEnergy updated its corporate strategy to integrate sustainability metrics, including emissions reduction targets aligned with national goals of net-zero by 2050, though empirical data shows rising absolute emissions from LNG growth prior to full CCUS deployment.[34] These shifts reflect pragmatic diversification amid volatile oil markets and geopolitical pressures, prioritizing economic resilience through gas monetization while incrementally building non-hydrocarbon capabilities, without altering state ownership or operational fundamentals.[35]Governance and Organizational Structure
State Ownership and Leadership
QatarEnergy is wholly owned by the State of Qatar, functioning as an integrated energy corporation established by Emiri Decree No. 10 in 1974 to manage all phases of the nation's oil and gas industry.[36][37] As a state entity, it operates under direct governmental oversight, with no private shareholders, enabling centralized control over upstream, midstream, and downstream activities to align with national economic priorities.[38][39] Leadership of QatarEnergy is vested in President and CEO Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, appointed to the role in September 2014 following his prior positions within the organization since joining in 1986.[40][41] Al-Kaabi concurrently holds the position of Minister of State for Energy Affairs, a role he assumed in November 2018, which integrates QatarEnergy's operations with broader state energy policy formulation and execution.[42] Under his tenure, the company has pursued aggressive expansion in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity and international joint ventures.[26] The Board of Directors, appointed by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, provides strategic governance and ensures alignment with national objectives.[40] A restructuring in October 2022 reinforced Al-Kaabi's influence by designating him as Vice Chairman and Managing Director, alongside members including HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari and HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, to enhance decision-making efficiency amid global energy transitions.[43] This structure underscores the entity's role as an extension of state authority, prioritizing long-term resource stewardship over short-term commercial pressures.[44]Key Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures
QatarEnergy operates through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries and equity stakes in joint ventures that span LNG production, petrochemical manufacturing, gas-to-liquids processing, and international investments. These entities enable the company to leverage international expertise while maintaining majority control in core operations. A primary subsidiary is QatarEnergy LNG (formerly Qatargas), which consolidates Qatar's LNG operations with QatarEnergy holding majority ownership across production trains, including stakes shared with partners such as ExxonMobil (25% in certain trains), Shell (variable shares up to 25%), TotalEnergies (25% in North Field East expansions), and others like Itochu and KG Corporation for specific entitlements totaling over 77 million tonnes per annum capacity.[45][46][47] In petrochemicals, key joint ventures include Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO), where QatarEnergy holds 80% and TotalEnergies 20%, focused on ethylene and linear low-density polyethylene production at Ras Laffan Industrial City.[48] Qatar Fertiliser Company (QAFCO) features QatarEnergy with a majority stake alongside partners like Yara International, producing ammonia and urea. Qatar Chemical Company (Q-Chem) operates as a joint venture with Chevron Phillips Chemical, emphasizing high-density polyethylene and 1-hexene. Gas-to-liquids ventures comprise Oryx GTL, with QatarEnergy at 51% and Sasol at 49%, converting natural gas into synthetic diesel and naphtha at Ras Laffan since 2006.[37] Pearl GTL, a 50-50 partnership with Shell, represents the world's largest GTL facility, producing 140,000 barrels per day of liquids equivalent from six trains operational since 2012. Aluminum production occurs via Qatalum, a 50-50 joint venture with Norsk Hydro, yielding 585,000 tonnes annually at Mesaieed Industrial City. Internationally, QatarEnergy holds 100% of Qatar Petroleum International for overseas assets, while recent U.S.-focused ventures include Golden Triangle Polymers LLC, indirectly owned with Chevron Phillips Chemical for an ethylene cracker, and Ras Laffan Petrochemicals, a 51-49 split favoring Chevron Phillips for integrated chemicals.[49][50] Dolphin Energy Limited, involving QatarEnergy alongside TotalEnergies, Occidental, and Mubadala, supplies gas via pipeline to the UAE.Upstream Operations
Exploration and Production Activities
QatarEnergy's exploration and production activities encompass onshore and offshore operations within Qatar, targeting natural gas from the North Field and crude oil from legacy fields, supported by production sharing agreements with international partners.[51] These efforts leverage advanced recovery techniques to counter high decline rates in mature oil reservoirs.[4] The North Field, an offshore structure spanning approximately 6,000 square kilometers and shared with Iran's South Pars, represents the core of Qatar's gas production as the world's largest non-associated natural gas reservoir, with recoverable reserves exceeding 900 trillion cubic feet.[4][51] Commercial production commenced in 1991, yielding averages of over 700 million standard cubic feet per day of gas and 18,000 barrels per day of condensate, primarily directed to domestic markets and export via liquefaction.[51] Onshore activities center on the Dukhan field, located 80 kilometers west of Doha and operational since December 1949, which produces crude oil alongside associated and non-associated gas plus condensate.[51] In 2019, Dukhan output reached 64 million barrels of oil and 4.3 billion cubic meters of gas annually.[52] Offshore oil production derives from concessions including the Idd El-Shargi North and South Domes, Maydan Mahzam, Bul Hanine (active since the 1960s), and Al-Murjan, processed via platforms such as PS-1, PS-2, and PS-3.[51] These fields collectively generate over 100,000 barrels per day of oil and more than 50 million standard cubic feet per day of gas, with hydrocarbons routed to Halul Island for storage and export.[51] Exploration and development occur through exploration and production sharing agreements (EPSA) and development and production sharing agreements (DPSA) with firms like TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and Shell, enabling advancements in assets such as Al Shaheen, Al Khaleej, Al Karara, and A Structures.[51] Qatar's national crude oil production, incorporating these operations, averaged 1.322 million barrels per day in 2024.[53]Management of Major Gas Fields
QatarEnergy serves as the primary operator of the North Field, the world's largest non-associated natural gas reservoir, spanning approximately 6,000 square kilometers offshore Qatar's northeast coast. Discovered in 1971 and shared with Iran's South Pars field, the North Field holds estimated reserves exceeding 900 trillion cubic feet of gas in place, enabling Qatar to dominate global LNG exports. Management involves phased development, with commercial gas production commencing in 1991 via the initial Alpha Project (Phase I), which utilized 20 wells to supply 45 million cubic meters of gas daily to three LNG trains. Subsequent phases integrated advanced extraction technologies, including subsea completions and platform-based processing, to mitigate reservoir depletion and optimize recovery rates, achieving peak LNG output of 77 million tonnes per annum by 2010.[54][51][55] Operational oversight includes real-time monitoring of reservoir pressure, fluid dynamics, and injectivity through extensive well interventions and seismic surveys, ensuring sustained production amid high extraction volumes. QatarEnergy coordinates with international partners for expansions, such as the North Field East (NFE) project, where it holds majority operatorship alongside ExxonMobil (25% stake), targeting 32 million tonnes per annum of additional LNG capacity starting mid-2026 via four mega-trains each at 8 million tonnes. Similarly, the North Field South (NFS) initiative, partnered with TotalEnergies and others, focuses on domestic gas supply integration while exporting helium and ethane byproducts, with first output anticipated in 2025-2026. These efforts prioritize carbon capture and emissions reduction, incorporating flare minimization and renewable energy for auxiliary power, though critics note potential underreporting of methane leaks in joint venture disclosures.[56][46][57] Beyond the North Field, QatarEnergy manages smaller associated gas outputs from offshore oil fields like Al Khalij and Maydan Mahzam, channeling production through shared platforms to onshore processing at facilities such as the Mesaieed plant for reinjection or export. Dukhan field's onshore gas condensate handling supplements North Field volumes, with average daily gas yields supporting domestic needs via the Barzan Gas Plant, operated jointly with ExxonMobil (7% stake), which processes 1.8 billion cubic feet per day for power generation and desalination. Strategic reservoir modeling and enhanced recovery techniques, including water and nitrogen injection, underpin long-term management, aiming for total LNG capacity expansion to 142 million tonnes per annum by 2030 despite geopolitical tensions over shared borders.[51][58][59]Midstream and Downstream Operations
LNG Production and Liquefaction
QatarEnergy's liquefied natural gas (LNG) production is centered at the Ras Laffan Industrial City complex, where natural gas extracted from the North Field—the world's largest non-associated gas reservoir—is processed and liquefied. The company operates 14 LNG trains with a combined nameplate capacity of 77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), making it the largest LNG producer globally. Liquefaction involves cooling the treated natural gas to approximately -162°C under atmospheric pressure, reducing its volume by about 600 times for efficient maritime transport. These facilities include inlet gas reception, pretreatment to remove impurities such as water, CO2, and mercury, followed by cryogenic liquefaction using proprietary processes like those licensed from Air Products (APCI).[6][55][60] The trains vary in scale and vintage: earlier units such as Trains 1 and 2 (3.3 MTPA each) and Trains 3-5 (4.7 MTPA each) date from the late 1990s to mid-2000s, while six mega-trains—each with 7.8 MTPA capacity—were commissioned between 2007 and 2010, including Trains 6 and 7 operated by what was formerly QatarEnergy LNG (South). Train 7, a joint venture with ExxonMobil and others, exemplifies mega-train technology, incorporating advanced heat exchangers and mixed refrigerant cycles for higher efficiency. In 2023, actual LNG output reached approximately 78-82 million tonnes, reflecting operational optimizations despite nominal capacity constraints from maintenance and feedstock variability. Sulphur recovery and condensate stabilization are integral, producing byproducts like helium from dedicated plants at Ras Laffan.[61][60][62] To sustain and expand production, QatarEnergy is advancing the North Field East (NFE) expansion, adding four 8 MTPA mega-trains for a total increment of 32 MTPA, elevating overall capacity to 110 MTPA upon completion. Engineering, procurement, and construction contracts for NFE, awarded in 2022 to consortia including Technip Energies and Chiyoda, incorporate carbon capture and storage facilities targeting over 90% CO2 sequestration from associated streams. First-train production is scheduled for mid-2026, with full ramp-up by 2027, supported by upstream wellhead expansions yielding 1.6 billion cubic feet per day of additional feed gas. This project builds on prior mega-train successes, prioritizing modular construction to mitigate delays observed in earlier phases. Further, the North Field South (NFS) initiative plans eight more trains by 2030, pushing capacity to 126 MTPA, though liquefaction engineering details emphasize enhanced reliability amid global supply chain pressures.[6][56][63]Refining, Petrochemicals, and Gas-to-Liquids
QatarEnergy operates the Mesaieed Refinery, established in 1954 with a processing capacity of 127,000 barrels per day (b/d), primarily handling crude oil and condensates to produce finished fuels for domestic consumption and export; the facility integrated with the SEEF Chemical Plant in 2020 to enhance downstream synergies.[64] The Ras Laffan Refinery, following the February 2023 merger of its LR1 and LR2 phases into a single entity, maintains a combined capacity of 306,000 b/d, specializing in heavy, high-sulfur crudes and condensates to yield gasoline, diesel, and other refined products.[65] Complementing these, four Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) recovery plants at Mesaieed process associated gases to output propane, butane, and stabilized condensate, with the majority directed toward international markets.[64] In petrochemicals, QatarEnergy leverages subsidiaries and joint ventures for ethylene, polyethylene, and derivative production, with ongoing expansions targeting a national total of approximately 14 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2026.[66] A flagship initiative is the $6 billion Ras Laffan Petrochemical Complex, launched in February 2024 in partnership with Chevron Phillips Chemical, incorporating a 1.68 MTPA ethylene cracker and downstream units for high-density polyethylene (1.68 MTPA) and 1-hexene (280,000 tonnes per year), aimed at capturing demand in packaging and industrial applications.[67][68] This project builds on existing capacities from entities like Q-Chem and Qapco, emphasizing integration with upstream gas resources to optimize feedstock utilization.[69] QatarEnergy's gas-to-liquids (GTL) segment features the Pearl GTL facility, the world's largest such plant, co-developed with Shell and operational since June 2011, converting 1.6 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas from the North Field into 140,000 b/d of low-sulfur liquids including premium diesel, naphtha, and base oils.[64][70][71] The earlier Oryx GTL plant, started in 2006 at Ras Laffan, operates at 34,000 b/d to generate naphtha, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), with expansion plans to reach 100,000 b/d to further diversify product slate and reduce reliance on traditional refining.[64] These GTL operations underscore QatarEnergy's strategy to monetize stranded gas reserves into high-value, cleaner fuels amid global shifts toward lower-emission transport options.[72]Pipeline Infrastructure and Transport
QatarEnergy operates a network of natural gas pipelines that connect major production fields, such as the North Field, to processing plants in Ras Laffan, domestic industrial consumers, and export terminals. These pipelines facilitate the transport of raw and processed gas for liquefaction, power generation, and industrial use, supporting Qatar's position as a leading gas exporter. Domestic supply lines, including those from the Al-Khaleej Gas (AKG) and Barzan Gas projects, deliver approximately 2 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) of sales gas to local industries and power sectors, with infrastructure extending to facilities in Mesaieed Industrial City via feeds from Ras Laffan and Dukhan.[73][74] The Dolphin Gas Project represents QatarEnergy's primary cross-border pipeline export initiative, transporting refined methane gas from the North Field via a 360-kilometer subsea pipeline from Ras Laffan to Taweelah in the United Arab Emirates, with onward supply to Oman. Commissioned in 2007 and operational for regular exports since November 2008, the pipeline has a design capacity of 3.2 bcf/d but currently operates at 2 bcf/d under long-term agreements. In 2024, it carried nearly 0.8 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas, underscoring its role in regional energy integration despite geopolitical tensions, such as the 2017 Qatar blockade, during which supplies continued uninterrupted.[75][76][4] Upstream pipeline infrastructure supports gas gathering from offshore platforms in the North Field, including subsea lines such as two 36-inch multiphase pipelines delivering raw wet gas to onshore processing at Ras Laffan for the Dolphin facility. Recent expansions, like the North Field South (NFS) project, incorporate additional subsea pipelines and cables to supply feed gas for new LNG trains, with contracts awarded in 2024 for engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) to handle increased volumes from the field's estimated 900 Tcf recoverable reserves. Domestic interconnectors, such as the Qatar Station N to Station B pipeline, further link production stations for efficient internal distribution.[77][78][4]Major Domestic Projects
North Field Expansions
The North Field expansions encompass QatarEnergy's phased development of untapped reserves in the North Field, the world's largest non-associated natural gas reservoir, located offshore northeast Qatar and extending into Iran's South Pars field.[79] Announced in February 2021, the initiative aims to elevate Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity from 77 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 142 mtpa by the early 2030s through new liquefaction trains, wellhead platforms, and associated infrastructure.[6] The projects leverage advanced mega-train technology, with each new train designed to process up to 8 mtpa, enabling economies of scale in production.[57] The North Field East (NFE) project, the first phase, targets an additional 32 mtpa via four mega trains and requires drilling approximately 80 wells across multiple platforms.[79] Drilling commenced on March 29, 2021, with engineering, procurement, and construction contracts awarded to consortia including Japan's Chiyoda, South Korea's Samsung, and U.S.-based McDermott.[80] QatarEnergy holds a 70% stake, partnered with China's CNPC (25%) and TotalEnergies (5%).[79] Initial production from the first NFE train is slated for mid-2026, with subsequent trains following every few months, though full project completion has been delayed to mid-2028 due to engineering complexities.[56][81] Subsequent phases include the North Field South (NFS) expansion, adding 16 mtpa to reach 126 mtpa overall, with QatarEnergy awarding partnerships to entities like ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies for technology and equity shares.[82] Expected to commence production in 2029–2030, NFS involves similar mega-train configurations offshore.[83] In February 2024, QatarEnergy approved the North Field West (NFW) project, another 16 mtpa increment targeting 142 mtpa by 2030, focusing on domestic gas processing and power generation integration rather than export-oriented LNG.[84] These expansions position Qatar as the leading global LNG exporter, with total investment exceeding $50 billion across phases, supported by long-term offtake agreements.[85]Dolphin Gas Project
The Dolphin Gas Project supplies natural gas from Qatar's North Field to the United Arab Emirates and Oman through an integrated production, processing, and pipeline system.[73] Conceived in 1999, it marks the first cross-border refined gas transmission initiative in the Gulf Cooperation Council, aimed at meeting regional industrial demand and reducing reliance on imported energy.[86] QatarEnergy facilitates the upstream supply under exploration and production sharing agreements (EPSA) and development and production sharing agreements (DPSA), granting Dolphin Energy Limited rights to develop and extract gas while retaining resource sovereignty.[73] Development began in 2001 with engineering, procurement, and construction phases, including offshore platforms and a gas processing plant at Ras Laffan Industrial City.[86] The project operator, Dolphin Energy Limited, processes raw gas from 30 deep-water wells via two unmanned offshore platforms (Dol-1 and Dol-2), stripping out condensate (stored at 3.32 million barrels capacity), liquefied petroleum gases, ethane, and sulfur (at 6,800 cubic meters per day).[87] Treated gas is then compressed and transported through dual 36-inch sealines to the onshore facility before entering the export pipeline.[87] The core infrastructure features a 48-inch diameter, 364-kilometer subsea pipeline from Ras Laffan to Taweelah in the UAE, with onward distribution networks extending to Fujairah and Al Ain, and further links to Oman.[88] Initial throughput reached 2 billion standard cubic feet per day (scf/d) upon startup in July 2007 for UAE deliveries, expanding to Oman in October 2008 and achieving full operations by February 2008.[73][88] A 2016 upgrade to compression facilities increased pipeline capacity to its design maximum of 3.2 billion scf/d, enabling cumulative exports exceeding 11 trillion cubic feet.[88] Gas sales occur under long-term contracts, primarily with UAE entities like ADWEC, DUSUP, and UWEC, alongside Oman Oil Company.[88] Dolphin Energy's ownership structure comprises Mubadala Energy with a 51% stake (actively managed), alongside TotalEnergies and Occidental Petroleum each holding 24.5%.[88] QatarEnergy's involvement underscores its strategy to monetize North Field reserves domestically while fostering regional energy interdependence, with by-products integrated into Qatar's broader petrochemical and export chains.[73] The 25-year supply framework supports sustained operations, backed by a design expandable to higher volumes pending future agreements.[86]International Engagements
Investments in North America
QatarEnergy's investments in North America emphasize liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure in the United States and exploratory upstream assets in Canada. These efforts align with the company's strategy to diversify production capacity and secure access to North American gas resources amid global LNG demand growth.[89][90] In the United States, QatarEnergy's primary asset is its 70% stake in the Golden Pass LNG export terminal located in Sabine Pass, Texas, developed in partnership with ExxonMobil, which holds the remaining 30%. The project expands an existing LNG import facility into a greenfield liquefaction plant with a nameplate capacity of 15.6 million tonnes per annum, utilizing air-cooled technology and powered by gas turbines. Following the final investment decision in June 2019, construction progressed despite delays from supply chain issues and labor shortages, with first LNG cargoes expected by the end of 2025. QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil have agreed to independently market their equity shares of output, targeting Asian and European markets. This investment, valued at over $10 billion for QatarEnergy's portion, positions the company to leverage U.S. shale gas abundance for export diversification.[90][91][92] QatarEnergy maintains U.S.-based subsidiaries, including QatarEnergy U.S. Investments LLC entities, to manage these holdings and support operational oversight. Beyond Golden Pass, the company has explored downstream opportunities, such as involvement in the Golden Triangle Polymers plant in Texas, a joint venture with Chevron Phillips Chemical Company aimed at producing ethylene and polyethylene, though details on QatarEnergy's exact equity remain tied to its petrochemical affiliates.[93] In Canada, QatarEnergy has focused on offshore exploration off Newfoundland and Labrador through farm-in agreements with ExxonMobil Canada. In October 2021, it acquired a 40% participating interest in an exploration license in the Flemish Pass basin, with ExxonMobil retaining 60%. This was followed in March 2023 by stakes of 28% in two additional blocks—EL 1167 and EL 1168—where ExxonMobil holds operatorship at 50% and 55%, respectively, alongside other partners. These deals mark QatarEnergy's initial foray into Canadian upstream activities, targeting potential oil and gas discoveries in frontier areas with high geological prospectivity but elevated exploration risks. No commercial production has resulted from these licenses as of 2025. QatarEnergy operates these interests via its Canadian subsidiary, QPI Energy Canada Ltd.[89][94][95]Partnerships in Europe
QatarEnergy has established key partnerships with European energy firms primarily through long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreements and regasification capacity bookings, aimed at enhancing Europe's energy security following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. These arrangements leverage QatarEnergy's position as a major LNG exporter, supplying 12-14% of Europe's LNG imports during this period.[96][96] In October 2023, QatarEnergy signed two 27-year sale and purchase agreements (SPAs) with Shell plc, a UK-Netherlands-based multinational, for up to 3.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG starting in 2026, with deliveries to the Gate terminal in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The volumes originate from QatarEnergy's North Field East and South expansion joint ventures, in which Shell holds participating interests. Similarly, in the same month, QatarEnergy concluded comparable 27-year SPAs with Italy's Eni and France's TotalEnergies, each for up to 3.5 mtpa from 2026, supporting diversification from Russian pipeline gas. These deals extend beyond 2050, marking some of the longest-term commitments in the sector.[97][98][99] To facilitate LNG delivery into Europe, QatarEnergy has secured regasification capacities at multiple terminals. In October 2025, it commenced operations at the Isle of Grain LNG terminal in the United Kingdom under a 25-year agreement, utilizing storage and regasification infrastructure at Europe's largest such facility, owned by National Grid. QatarEnergy's trading subsidiary also maintains capacities at the Fluxys-operated Zeebrugge terminal in Belgium and the Elengy-operated Montoir terminal in France, enabling flexible unloading and integration into European gas networks.[100][101][102] Bilateral energy dialogues further underpin these commercial ties. QatarEnergy participates in the Qatari-German Energy Partnership, initiated with Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), focusing on collaboration in energy security and low-emission technologies since 2023. A strategic LNG partnership with the United Kingdom was reinforced in 2025, aligning with broader efforts to ensure reliable supplies amid geopolitical shifts. However, these partnerships face challenges from the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which QatarEnergy's CEO, Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi, warned in October 2025 could impose compliance burdens deterring future investments and supplies unless amended.[103][104][105]| Partner | Agreement Type | Volume/Duration | Start Date | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell | LNG SPA | Up to 3.5 mtpa / 27 years | 2026 | Rotterdam, Netherlands[97] |
| TotalEnergies | LNG SPA | Up to 3.5 mtpa / 27 years | 2026 | Europe-wide[99] |
| Eni | LNG SPA | Up to 3.5 mtpa / Long-term | 2026 | Europe-wide[106] |
| National Grid (Isle of Grain) | Regasification capacity | Long-term storage/unloading | 2025 | UK[100] |
