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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 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]
Wells completed[a]
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+34-inch and 51.8 miles of 14+12-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]

Qatar production by field, by year (x 1,000 barrels)[44]
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]

Former logo of the company before its rebranding

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

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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

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References

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Notes

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia

QatarEnergy is the state-owned energy corporation of the State of , tasked with the of the 's oil and resources across the full from and production to processing, refining, transportation, and marketing. 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 , and subsequent offshore fields like Bul Hanine brought online in 1972. Renamed from Qatar Petroleum in October 2021 to reflect a broader strategic focus on energy efficiency and global market positioning, the company leverages 's vast reserves, particularly the North Field—the world's largest non-associated reserve—to produce (LNG).
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. 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 , fertilizers, and refined products, contributing significantly to Qatar's , which derives over 50% of GDP from exports. 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 reserves globally—underscore its pivotal position in .

History

Establishment and Early Development

Qatar Petroleum was established on 4 1974 through No. 10, which created a state-owned corporation tasked with managing all aspects of the in and abroad, including , , production, , transportation, and marketing of and gas. Initially named the Qatar General Petroleum Corporation (QGPC), the entity was formed amid rising in the , aiming to assert greater government control over hydrocarbon resources previously dominated by foreign concessions granted since the 1930s. 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 . These agreements allowed Qatar Petroleum to acquire up to 60% state interest in existing fields without immediate full , preserving technical expertise from partners like Shell while aligning with OPEC's push for producer-state involvement. This model facilitated the continuation and expansion of production from the onshore 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. By the late , had consolidated oversight of '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. 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.

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. This was followed by an increase to 60% participation in December 1974, reflecting escalating demands for resource sovereignty in the wake of the . By 1976, further expropriations targeted offshore operations, culminating in full of both onshore and offshore activities in 1977, after which former concession holders were transitioned to service contracts under state oversight rather than ownership. 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. 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. In 1976, the Petroleum Producing (QPPA) was created to assume direct control of production previously handled by foreign firms such as the Petroleum Company (QPC) and Shell Company of (SCQ). 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. This merger streamlined governance, enhanced operational efficiency, and positioned the consolidated entity—later evolving into —as the sole steward of 's sector, facilitating coordinated development amid fluctuating global oil markets.

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 impacts, Qatar Petroleum initiated restarts on expanding the world's largest gas field, shared with as the South Pars field. This move enabled appraisal drilling and subsequent mega-projects to boost (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. 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. 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 where QP held 65%. Concurrently, the company expanded internationally through its trading arm, Qatar Petroleum Trading, securing spot LNG supply tenders to markets in , and Taiwan, while pursuing financing via a planned debut U.S. dollar bond sale. These efforts, led by CEO since 2014, focused on core growth amid global energy shifts.

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. 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. Post-rebranding, QatarEnergy's strategy emphasized expansion of (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 and to secure markets and technology. This LNG focus, which accounts for over 70% of Qatar's export revenues, underscores a commitment to maintaining dominance rather than rapid , with officials stating no plans to sell assets for renewable shifts. Complementary efforts included investments in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), via subsidiaries like QatarEnergy Renewables, and blue hydrogen/ projects, such as memoranda of understanding for export facilities aiming for production by the late . In 2023, QatarEnergy updated its corporate strategy to integrate 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. 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 or operational fundamentals.

Governance and Organizational Structure

State Ownership and Leadership

QatarEnergy is wholly owned by the State of , functioning as an integrated energy corporation established by Emiri Decree No. 10 in 1974 to manage all phases of the nation's and gas industry. As a state entity, it operates under direct governmental oversight, with no private shareholders, enabling centralized control over upstream, , and downstream activities to align with national economic priorities. Leadership of QatarEnergy is vested in President and CEO , appointed to the role in September 2014 following his prior positions within the organization since joining in 1986. 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 formulation and execution. Under his tenure, the company has pursued aggressive expansion in (LNG) production capacity and international joint ventures. The Board of Directors, appointed by His Highness Sheikh , , provides strategic and ensures alignment with national objectives. A restructuring in October 2022 reinforced Al-Kaabi's influence by designating him as Vice Chairman and Managing Director, alongside members including HE and HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, to enhance decision-making efficiency amid global energy transitions. This structure underscores the entity's role as an extension of state authority, prioritizing long-term resource stewardship over short-term commercial pressures.

Key Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures

QatarEnergy operates through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries and equity stakes in joint ventures that span LNG production, , 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 (formerly Qatargas), which consolidates Qatar's LNG operations with QatarEnergy holding majority ownership across production trains, including stakes shared with partners such as (25% in certain trains), Shell (variable shares up to 25%), (25% in North Field East expansions), and others like and KG Corporation for specific entitlements totaling over 77 million tonnes per annum capacity. In petrochemicals, key joint ventures include Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO), where QatarEnergy holds 80% and 20%, focused on and production at . Qatar Fertiliser Company (QAFCO) features QatarEnergy with a majority stake alongside partners like , producing and . Qatar Chemical Company (Q-Chem) operates as a with , emphasizing and . Gas-to-liquids ventures comprise Oryx GTL, with QatarEnergy at 51% and at 49%, converting into synthetic diesel and naphtha at Ras Laffan since 2006. 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 with , yielding 585,000 tonnes annually at 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 for an cracker, and Ras Laffan Petrochemicals, a 51-49 split favoring Chevron Phillips for integrated chemicals. Limited, involving QatarEnergy alongside , 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 , targeting from the North Field and crude oil from legacy fields, supported by production sharing agreements with international partners. These efforts leverage advanced recovery techniques to counter high decline rates in mature oil reservoirs. 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 reservoir, with recoverable reserves exceeding 900 trillion cubic feet. Commercial production commenced in , 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 . Onshore activities center on the field, located 80 kilometers west of and operational since December 1949, which produces crude oil alongside associated and non-associated gas plus condensate. In 2019, Dukhan output reached 64 million barrels of oil and 4.3 billion cubic meters of gas annually. Offshore oil production derives from concessions including the Idd El-Shargi North and South Domes, Maydan Mahzam, Bul Hanine (active since the ), and Al-Murjan, processed via platforms such as PS-1, PS-2, and PS-3. 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. Exploration and development occur through exploration and production sharing agreements (EPSA) and development and production sharing agreements (DPSA) with firms like , , and Shell, enabling advancements in assets such as Al Shaheen, Al Khaleej, Al Karara, and A Structures. Qatar's national crude oil production, incorporating these operations, averaged 1.322 million barrels per day in 2024.

Management of Major Gas Fields

QatarEnergy serves as the primary operator of the North Field, the world's largest non-associated 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. Operational oversight includes real-time monitoring of reservoir pressure, , 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 (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 and others, focuses on domestic gas supply integration while exporting and byproducts, with first output anticipated in 2025-2026. These efforts prioritize carbon capture and emissions reduction, incorporating flare minimization and for auxiliary power, though critics note potential underreporting of leaks in disclosures. 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 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 (7% stake), which processes 1.8 billion cubic feet per day for power generation and . Strategic 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.

Midstream and Downstream Operations

LNG Production and Liquefaction

QatarEnergy's (LNG) production is centered at the complex, where extracted from the North Field—the world's largest non-associated gas reservoir—is processed and . The company operates 14 LNG trains with a combined of 77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), making it the largest LNG producer globally. involves cooling the treated to approximately -162°C under , reducing its volume by about 600 times for efficient . These facilities include inlet gas reception, pretreatment to remove impurities such as water, CO2, and mercury, followed by cryogenic using proprietary processes like those licensed from (APCI). 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 and , including Trains 6 and 7 operated by what was formerly (South). Train 7, a with and others, exemplifies mega-train technology, incorporating advanced heat exchangers and mixed cycles for higher . In 2023, actual LNG output reached approximately 78-82 million tonnes, reflecting operational optimizations despite nominal capacity constraints from and feedstock variability. Sulphur recovery and condensate stabilization are integral, producing byproducts like from dedicated plants at Ras Laffan. 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. contracts for NFE, awarded in 2022 to consortia including and Chiyoda, incorporate 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 expansions yielding 1.6 billion cubic feet per day of additional feed gas. This project builds on prior mega-train successes, prioritizing modular to mitigate observed in earlier phases. Further, the North Field South (NFS) initiative plans eight more trains by 2030, pushing capacity to 126 MTPA, though details emphasize enhanced reliability amid global pressures.

Refining, Petrochemicals, and Gas-to-Liquids

QatarEnergy operates the , 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. 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 , diesel, and other refined products. Complementing these, four Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) recovery plants at process associated gases to output , , and stabilized condensate, with the majority directed toward international markets. In petrochemicals, QatarEnergy leverages subsidiaries and joint ventures for , , and derivative production, with ongoing expansions targeting a national total of approximately 14 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2026. A flagship initiative is the $6 billion Ras Laffan Complex, launched in 2024 in partnership with , incorporating a 1.68 MTPA cracker and downstream units for (1.68 MTPA) and (280,000 tonnes per year), aimed at capturing demand in packaging and industrial applications. This project builds on existing capacities from entities like Q-Chem and Qapco, emphasizing integration with upstream gas resources to optimize feedstock utilization. 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. 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. 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.

Pipeline Infrastructure and Transport

QatarEnergy operates a network of 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 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 extending to facilities in via feeds from Ras Laffan and . The Dolphin Gas Project represents QatarEnergy's primary cross-border export initiative, transporting refined methane gas from the North Field via a 360-kilometer subsea from Ras Laffan to Taweelah in the , with onward supply to . Commissioned in 2007 and operational for regular exports since November 2008, the 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. Upstream pipeline infrastructure supports gas gathering from offshore platforms in the North Field, including subsea lines such as two 36-inch multiphase delivering raw wet gas to onshore processing at Ras Laffan for the facility. Recent expansions, like the North Field South (NFS) project, incorporate additional subsea and cables to supply feed gas for new LNG trains, with contracts awarded in for engineering, procurement, construction, and installation () to handle increased volumes from the field's estimated 900 Tcf recoverable reserves. Domestic interconnectors, such as the Station N to Station B , further link production stations for efficient internal distribution.

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 reservoir, located offshore northeast and extending into Iran's South Pars field. Announced in February 2021, the initiative aims to elevate 's liquefied (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 . The projects leverage advanced mega-train technology, with each new train designed to process up to 8 mtpa, enabling in production. The North Field East (NFE) project, the first phase, targets an additional 32 mtpa via four mega trains and requires approximately 80 wells across multiple platforms. commenced on March 29, 2021, with contracts awarded to consortia including Japan's Chiyoda, South Korea's , and U.S.-based McDermott. QatarEnergy holds a 70% stake, partnered with China's CNPC (25%) and (5%). 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. Subsequent phases include the North Field South (NFS) expansion, adding 16 mtpa to reach 126 mtpa overall, with QatarEnergy awarding partnerships to entities like and for technology and equity shares. Expected to commence production in 2029–2030, NFS involves similar mega-train configurations offshore. 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. These expansions position Qatar as the leading global LNG exporter, with total investment exceeding $50 billion across phases, supported by long-term offtake agreements.

Dolphin Gas Project

The Dolphin Gas Project supplies from Qatar's North Field to the and through an integrated production, processing, and pipeline system. Conceived in 1999, it marks the first cross-border refined gas transmission initiative in the , aimed at meeting regional industrial demand and reducing reliance on imported energy. QatarEnergy facilitates the upstream supply under exploration and production sharing agreements (EPSA) and development and production sharing agreements (DPSA), granting Limited rights to develop and extract gas while retaining resource sovereignty. Development began in 2001 with phases, including offshore platforms and a gas processing plant at . The project operator, 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, , and (at 6,800 cubic meters per day). Treated gas is then compressed and transported through dual 36-inch sealines to the onshore facility before entering the export pipeline. The core infrastructure features a 48-inch , 364-kilometer subsea from Ras Laffan to Taweelah in the UAE, with onward distribution networks extending to Fujairah and , and further links to . 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. A 2016 to compression facilities increased capacity to its design maximum of 3.2 billion scf/d, enabling cumulative exports exceeding 11 trillion cubic feet. Gas sales occur under long-term contracts, primarily with UAE entities like ADWEC, DUSUP, and UWEC, alongside Oil Company. Dolphin Energy's ownership structure comprises Mubadala Energy with a 51% stake (actively managed), alongside and each holding 24.5%. Energy's involvement underscores its strategy to monetize North Field reserves domestically while fostering regional energy interdependence, with by-products integrated into 's broader and export chains. The 25-year supply framework supports sustained operations, backed by a expandable to higher volumes pending future agreements.

International Engagements

Investments in North America

QatarEnergy's investments in emphasize (LNG) infrastructure in the United States and exploratory upstream assets in . 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. In the United States, QatarEnergy's primary asset is its 70% stake in the Golden Pass LNG export terminal located in , developed in partnership with , which holds the remaining 30%. The project expands an existing LNG import facility into a greenfield liquefaction plant with a 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 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. abundance for export diversification. 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 , a with Company aimed at producing and , though details on QatarEnergy's exact equity remain tied to its affiliates. In , QatarEnergy has focused on offshore off through farm-in agreements with 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 , QPI Energy Ltd.

Partnerships in Europe

QatarEnergy has established key partnerships with European energy firms primarily through long-term (LNG) supply agreements and capacity bookings, aimed at enhancing 's energy following the 2022 . These arrangements leverage QatarEnergy's position as a major LNG exporter, supplying 12-14% of 's LNG imports during this period. In October 2023, QatarEnergy signed two 27-year sale and purchase agreements (SPAs) with , 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 , . 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 and France's , 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. To facilitate LNG delivery into , QatarEnergy has secured regasification capacities at multiple terminals. In October 2025, it commenced operations at the Isle of Grain LNG terminal in the under a 25-year agreement, utilizing storage and infrastructure at Europe's largest such facility, owned by National Grid. QatarEnergy's trading subsidiary also maintains capacities at the Fluxys-operated terminal in and the Elengy-operated Montoir terminal in , enabling flexible unloading and integration into European gas networks. 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 and low-emission technologies since 2023. A strategic LNG partnership with the 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.
PartnerAgreement TypeVolume/DurationStart DateDestination
ShellLNG SPAUp to 3.5 mtpa / 27 years2026Rotterdam, Netherlands
TotalEnergiesLNG SPAUp to 3.5 mtpa / 27 years2026Europe-wide
EniLNG SPAUp to 3.5 mtpa / Long-term2026Europe-wide
National Grid (Isle of Grain)Regasification capacityLong-term storage/unloading2025UK

Activities in Asia and the Middle East

QatarEnergy maintains extensive LNG supply relationships with major Asian importers, positioning as a cornerstone of its export strategy. emerged as Qatar's largest LNG buyer in 2022, receiving 18 million tons, accounting for 26.6% of 's total imports that year. In December 2024, QatarEnergy signed a long-term sale and purchase agreement with Shell for 3 million tons per annum of LNG destined for , effective from January 2025. Earlier, a 27-year deal was established with for LNG supplies, reflecting efforts to lock in long-term volumes amid global competition. has also seen increased imports, with volumes rising approximately 10% in 2022, supported by strategic long-term supply agreements. Japan and South Korea represent additional key markets, though new contract negotiations face challenges from U.S. and UAE competition. QatarEnergy was in advanced talks as of May 2025 for a long-term LNG deal supplying at least 3 million tons per annum to a Japanese consortium from its North Field expansion. In South Korea, existing contracts include a 4.92 million tons per year supply to expiring in 2024 and another 2.1 million tons per year ending in 2026. Beyond LNG, QatarEnergy has expanded downstream engagements in , including a 10-year supply agreement with Japan's Corporation announced in June 2024, and a similar 10-year deal with in the same month, targeting petrochemical feedstocks. In the , QatarEnergy's activities center on LNG exports to regional buyers like , which has committed to additional volumes following announcements of Qatar's North Field expansions. These engagements complement broader energy dynamics but remain secondary to Asian markets, with limited public details on investment stakes or joint ventures outside established pipeline supplies to neighbors.

Ventures in Africa and South America

QatarEnergy has expanded its upstream portfolio in through targeted farm-in agreements and bid round participations, emphasizing offshore exploration in high-potential basins such as the Orange Basin. In , the company increased its stakes in two Orange Basin blocks via an agreement with in November 2024, building on prior interests to access prospective deepwater acreage. Additionally, in December 2024, QatarEnergy acquired a 27.5% working interest in Block 2813B, covering 5,433 square kilometers approximately 200 kilometers offshore, through a farm-in deal with Energy Limited, a Chevron subsidiary, partnering alongside local entities. In , QatarEnergy and signed a farm-in agreement in March 2024 with Africa Oil Corporation, Ricocure, and Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas for participating interests in Block 3B/4B, spanning 17,581 square kilometers in the Orange Basin at water depths of 300 to 2,500 meters, adjacent to recent discoveries. This move aligns with QatarEnergy's strategy to diversify exploration amid the basin's proven potential. Further north, QatarEnergy entered 's upstream sector in June 2025 by jointly winning the Ahara onshore exploration license with during the Algeria Bid Round 2024, organized by the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources; the block covers 14,900 square kilometers and represents QatarEnergy's inaugural venture in the country. In , QatarEnergy acquired a 27% participating interest in the North offshore block from Shell in October 2025, targeting the frontier Basin over 3,400 square kilometers in the . In , QatarEnergy's activities center on Brazil's pre-salt province, where it holds interests in offshore and development. In December 2022, QatarEnergy, alongside and , was awarded the Agua-Marinha block in the Campos Basin, a 1,300-square-kilometer area in 2,000-meter water depths, as part of Brazil's permanent offer regime. The company also participates in the second-phase development of the Sépia oil and gas field, operated by , located 200 kilometers offshore Rio de Janeiro, contributing to production from mature pre-salt reservoirs. QatarEnergy has divested from certain Argentine assets, including stakes in shale in early 2025, reflecting a shift toward more active Brazilian holdings.

Economic and Geopolitical Impact

Contribution to Qatar's National Economy

QatarEnergy, as Qatar's state-owned petroleum company, serves as the primary driver of the national economy through its management of , production, and export operations. The company's activities generate the bulk of export earnings, with (LNG) and crude oil sales forming the foundation of fiscal inflows. In 2023, earnings from the hydrocarbon sector, under QatarEnergy's oversight, accounted for 83% of total government revenues, enabling substantial fiscal surpluses and public investments. This revenue stream supported a fiscal surplus of QR 43.1 billion in 2023, equivalent to over 5% of GDP, which funded infrastructure, social programs, and economic diversification initiatives aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. The sector contributes approximately 40-60% to Qatar's GDP, reflecting its central role despite efforts to expand non-oil activities. QatarEnergy's production capacity, including LNG exports exceeding 77 million tonnes per annum as of 2023, underpins over 90% of total merchandise exports, bolstering and the managed by the . These revenues have historically financed mega-projects such as and City, while also supporting subsidies and citizen welfare programs that maintain high levels above $60,000. Beyond direct fiscal contributions, QatarEnergy promotes economic localization through Qatarization policies, employing over 10,000 Qataris in technical and managerial roles as of recent reports, fostering skills transfer and reducing reliance on labor. The company's reinvestments in domestic , including pipelines and refineries, stimulate ancillary industries like and , indirectly amplifying GDP growth. However, this dominance also exposes the to volatility, with hydrocarbon GDP growth lagging non-oil sectors at 1% versus 5.3% in early 2025, underscoring the need for sustained diversification.

Influence on Global Energy Markets and Security

QatarEnergy, as the operator of the world's largest non-associated gas field in the North Field, exerts substantial influence on global (LNG) markets through its position as the top exporter, accounting for nearly 20% of worldwide LNG trade in 2024 with exports of approximately 4.4 trillion cubic feet of , predominantly in LNG form. The company's ongoing expansions, including the North Field East and projects, aim to increase annual LNG production capacity from 77 million tonnes in 2024 to 142 million tonnes by 2030, positioning Qatar to supply around 40% of incremental global LNG capacity additions by 2029 and thereby shaping supply dynamics in an increasingly oversupplied market. These developments enable QatarEnergy to modulate spot and short-term trade volumes, with uncontracted LNG cargoes comprising 10-11% of its year-to-date exports through late 2024, potentially stabilizing or pressuring prices amid demand fluctuations from and . In terms of , QatarEnergy's LNG has played a critical role in diversifying supplies for following Russia's 2022 invasion of , providing 12-14% of the continent's LNG imports since then and helping mitigate shortages that previously relied on Russian pipeline gas. This shift has enhanced 's resilience by reducing dependence on a single adversarial supplier, with long-term contracts signed by QatarEnergy with European buyers underscoring its function as a reliable alternative amid geopolitical disruptions. However, recent tensions arise from regulations, such as laws on forced labor and mandates, which QatarEnergy CEO al-Kaabi has warned could deter future investments and supplies, potentially undermining the very security gains achieved post-Ukraine by increasing legal and financial risks for exporters. Geopolitically, QatarEnergy leverages its LNG dominance—bolstered by hosting the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), often analogized to an " for "—to amplify Qatar's influence, as evidenced by coordinated stances with the against EU import rules that could reshape global trade flows and elevate prices. Qatar's exit from in January 2019 to prioritize gas over oil further concentrated its strategy on LNG as a tool for , insulating its economy from oil price volatility while enabling selective supply adjustments that affect buyer nations' foreign policies and market access. This approach has elevated Qatar's role in global energy diplomacy, where export decisions intersect with broader tensions, such as potential reallocations of Russian LNG to if European barriers persist, thereby influencing security equilibria beyond mere commercial transactions.

Controversies and Criticisms

Labor Practices and Migrant Worker Conditions

QatarEnergy, as Qatar's state-owned corporation, oversees major (LNG) projects such as the North Field expansion, which rely extensively on migrant labor from and for , , and operations. Migrant workers constitute the majority of the in Qatar's sector, comprising approximately 95% of the total labor force in the country, with many employed through subcontracting chains that amplify risks of exploitation. Historically, labor practices in Qatar's energy projects operated under the kafala sponsorship system, which tied workers' legal residency and job mobility to their employers, often resulting in passport confiscation, restricted exit, and vulnerability to abuse such as wage withholding and excessive working hours in extreme heat. Prior to reforms, reports documented instances of forced labor conditions, including recruitment fees leading to , with workers on QatarEnergy-related infrastructure facing heat stress and inadequate safety measures. In response to international pressure, particularly ahead of the , Qatar enacted labor reforms applicable to sector workers, including the abolition of the exit permit requirement for most migrants in 2020 and the allowance for job changes without employer permission after a notice period, effectively dismantling core kafala elements. A of 1,000 Qatari riyals (about $275) per month, plus allowances, was introduced in 2017, and QatarEnergy's foundational policies emphasize occupational health, safety compliance, and worker engagement. The (ILO) has collaborated with Qatar on implementation, noting progress in labor mobility and rights protections across sectors, including . Despite these changes, enforcement gaps persist, with migrant workers in construction reporting ongoing issues like delayed wages, poor living conditions in labor camps, and insufficient heat protection, as evidenced by strikes in 2019 protesting conditions on projects. Human rights organizations have attributed thousands of migrant deaths in since 2010—estimated at 6,500 from South Asian nationalities alone—to work-related factors including from heat exposure, though direct links to QatarEnergy projects remain underreported and disputed, with official figures citing natural causes over workplace incidents. 's Ministry of Interior recorded over 5,000 domestic and migrant worker complaints in 2024, many involving wage theft and contract violations, highlighting incomplete redress mechanisms in high-risk sectors like .

Environmental Claims and Energy Transition Debates

QatarEnergy maintains that its (LNG) operations represent a lower-carbon alternative to and , emphasizing natural gas's role as a transitional in global mixes, with production expansion from 77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 142 MTPA by 2030 via the North Field projects. The company operates under an ISO 14001:2015-certified across its facilities and has set targets to reduce carbon intensity by 35% in LNG operations and 25% in upstream activities relative to 2019 baselines. In sustainability efforts, QatarEnergy has invested in (CCS), achieving nearly 5 million tonnes of cumulative CO2 equivalent captured and sequestered since 2019 through 2022, with plans to reach 11 million tonnes annually by 2035, primarily offsetting LNG production emissions via projects in the North Field East, South, and West expansions. It is also pursuing blue hydrogen production, leveraging abundant with CCS integration, alongside partnerships for incorporating CCS, expected to commence in 2026 at initial capacities. These initiatives align with Qatar's national goal of a 25% reduction by 2030 from 2005 levels, predominantly targeting energy sector sources like LNG liquefaction and gas flaring. Critics, including environmental advocacy groups, argue that QatarEnergy's LNG expansion constitutes greenwashing, as the increased output—potentially adding 40% of new global LNG supply by 2030—will elevate absolute emissions despite per-unit intensity reductions, with estimates projecting $20 trillion in global climate damages and 11 million excess deaths attributable to Qatar's hydrocarbon reserves. Qatar remains among the world's highest per capita greenhouse gas emitters, driven by hydrocarbon processing, and faces scrutiny for resisting stringent regulations, such as threatening to withhold LNG supplies from the European Union in response to due diligence laws on forced labor and proposed Scope 3 emissions penalties. QatarEnergy's CEO has publicly contested EU frameworks penalizing upstream emissions, asserting they overlook LNG's displacement of dirtier fuels, though independent analyses highlight that such expansions risk market oversupply and delayed decarbonization in importing nations.

Regulatory and Geopolitical Tensions

QatarEnergy has faced significant regulatory tensions with the over the bloc's Directive (CSDDD), enacted to enforce and environmental standards across supply chains, potentially imposing fines up to 5% of global turnover on non-compliant firms. In October 2025, QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi warned that the law's requirements, including audits for labor and emissions practices, could render LNG business in unviable, prompting threats to redirect exports to instead. This stance was reiterated at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) meeting on October 23, 2025, where al-Kaabi urged gas producers to collectively oppose such "discriminatory trade barriers," highlighting risks to 's amid its reliance on Qatari LNG to replace Russian supplies. The has responded by proposing amendments, including delays to mid-2028 for audits and limits on scope, under pressure from and the , which co-signed a letter to EU leaders emphasizing threats to affordable energy supplies. These frictions underscore broader clashes between QatarEnergy's operational model—rooted in Qatar's labor and systems—and Western regulatory demands for transparency and , though Qatar maintains compliance with international standards where feasible. Geopolitically, QatarEnergy's operations are vulnerable to regional instability, particularly given the North Field's shared boundary with Iran's South Pars field, which supplies over 40% of Qatar's gas output. Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities in June 2025 prompted crisis talks between QatarEnergy and major partners to assess escalation risks, including potential shutdowns that could spike global LNG prices by 35% or more. Exports remain exposed to disruptions in the , through which 20% of global LNG transits, amid ongoing Israel-Iran and broader tensions. Historical precedents include the 2017-2021 Gulf blockade by , UAE, , and , which forced QatarEnergy to reroute LNG shipments via and airlift food supplies, yet sustained exports through diversified contracts and infrastructure resilience. QatarEnergy has not faced direct , maintaining sanction-free status despite Qatar's diplomatic ties with sanctioned entities like .

Future Outlook and Diversification

Expansion Plans and Capacity Growth

QatarEnergy's primary expansion strategy centers on the North Field, the world's largest non-associated gas field, through a multi-phase project aimed at significantly boosting (LNG) production capacity. The initiative, announced in phases starting from 2021, targets an increase from the current 77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 142 MTPA by the end of 2030, representing an 85% growth. This expansion includes the development of new mega-trains, offshore infrastructure, and associated processing facilities, with investments exceeding $40 billion for the initial phases. The North Field East (NFE) project, the first major phase, involves constructing four LNG trains each with a capacity of 8 MTPA, adding 32 MTPA overall and elevating total output to 110 MTPA upon completion. Production from NFE is scheduled to commence in mid-2026, delayed from an initial late-2025 target due to complexities. Subsequent phases, including North Field South (NFS) and North Field West (NFW), will add further 16 MTPA each through additional trains and domestic gas processing expansions, with NFW targeting full integration by 2030. In February 2024, QatarEnergy outlined plans for an additional 16 MTPA increment by 2029-2030, potentially extending capacity beyond the 142 MTPA benchmark, though detailed for this phase remains preliminary. Complementing domestic efforts, QatarEnergy is pursuing international LNG capacity growth, notably through equity stakes in projects like the Golden Pass LNG terminal , which will contribute approximately 17 billion cubic meters per year (bcm/y) of uncontracted capacity starting in 2026. These expansions are supported by long-term sales and purchase agreements with buyers in and , securing demand amid global LNG market volatility. The strategy prioritizes leveraging Qatar's low-cost gas reserves to maintain market share, with contracts awarded to consortia including McDermott and for offshore and onshore components.

Renewables, Hydrogen, and Sustainability Efforts

QatarEnergy has pursued solar power development as part of Qatar's National Renewable Energy Strategy, targeting 4 gigawatts (GW) of centralized renewable capacity and 1.2 GW of distributed solar generation by 2030. In April 2025, the company inaugurated the Ras Laffan and Mesaieed solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, adding a combined 875 megawatts (MW) to the grid and more than doubling Qatar's installed solar capacity at the time. Further expansion includes a 2 GW Dukhan solar project, with an engineering, procurement, and construction contract awarded to Samsung C&T in September 2025; the first 1 GW phase is slated for completion by late 2028, followed by the second phase in mid-2029. This initiative, partially developed with TotalEnergies, aims to leverage Qatar's abundant sunlight to reduce reliance on natural gas for domestic power, though it represents a modest fraction of the company's overall energy portfolio dominated by liquefied natural gas (LNG) production. In hydrogen production, QatarEnergy emphasizes blue hydrogen—derived from natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS)—over green variants produced via electrolysis of renewables. Construction began in November 2024 on a 1.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) blue ammonia facility in Mesaieed, valued at 4.4 billion Qatari riyals ($1.2 billion), which will utilize steam methane reforming with CCS to produce hydrogen-based ammonia; operations are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2026, positioning it as the world's largest such plant upon completion. This builds on a 2022 announcement for the project and aligns with Qatar's strategy to export low-carbon fuels, including a partnership with Shell for potential blue and green hydrogen developments in the United Kingdom. While green hydrogen ambitions exist, leveraging solar potential for electrolysis, current investments prioritize blue hydrogen due to Qatar's natural gas reserves and established CCS infrastructure, with projections indicating hydrogen could account for up to 20% of emissions reductions needed for net-zero by 2050. Broader sustainability efforts focus on operational efficiencies and emissions mitigation rather than a wholesale shift from hydrocarbons. QatarEnergy's 2023 Sustainability Report details commitments to energy efficiency improvements, waste minimization, and CCS expansion, including plans to capture emissions from LNG facilities. The company supports Qatar's national target of a 25% reduction by 2030 through sector-specific measures like flaring reduction and leak detection, though these coexist with the North Field East LNG expansion adding 32 million tonnes per annum of capacity by 2026. Independent analyses note that while solar and CCS initiatives demonstrate progress, QatarEnergy's core business model remains tied to exports, with renewables comprising less than 5% of national energy generation as of 2025.

References

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