Doha [Qatar], February 3: Delivering the opening address at LNG2026, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, President and CEO of QatarEnergy His Excellency Saad Sherida Al Kaabi highlighted Qatar's expanding role in global energy markets and its leadership in the LNGsector.
Al Kaabi said hosting LNG2026 comes at a time when QatarEnergy is emerging as a leading global energy force, particularly through its growing contribution to meeting international LNG demand and ensuring reliable energy supplies.
He credited the continued support and wise guidance of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for enabling the country to strengthen its standing among nations.
The minister noted that QatarEnergy's mega expansion projects will more than double Qatar's LNG production capacity from 77 million tonnes per annum to 160 million tonnes per annum, including 142 million tonnes per annum from the North Field. He said these projects will contribute around 40% of new global LNG supplies over the next decade.
Al Kaabi also outlined major investments in LNG transportation, describing the launch of the largest shipbuilding programme in the industry's history. The programme includes 128 state-of-the-art LNG carriers, with 38 vessels already delivered and new ships arriving every three weeks. This expansion will give QatarEnergy the world's largest LNG carrier fleet, reaching nearly 200 vessels in the coming years.
Highlighting downstream growth, the minister said QatarEnergy's strategic expansion in petrochemicals will increase polymer production capacity by about 235 percent compared to current levels. He also announced plans to boost Qatar's production of condensates and liquefied petroleum gas by around 60 percent, and helium by 115 percent.
In support of global food security, Al Kaabi revealed that QatarEnergy is developing a world-class urea fertiliser production complex that will raise output by more than 110 percent, positioning QatarEnergy to become the world's largest exporter of LNG, chemical fertilisers, and helium within the next few years.
The minister concluded by expressing gratitude to His Highness the Amir for honouring LNG2026 with his presence and for his continued support, and thanked QatarEnergy's teams, partners, and contractors for their contributions to the country's energy leadership.
Regarded as the world's premier LNG event, LNG2026 provides Qatar with a key international platform to highlight its achievements and forward-looking vision for the role of liquefied natural gas in supporting global economic growth. The conference also reinforces Qatar's leading position in the LNG industry and its long-standing commitment to ensuring global energy security and equitable access to energy within a realistic and effective energy transition framework.
The event is organised by QatarEnergy in cooperation with the International Gas Union, the Gas Technology Institute, and the International Institute of Refrigeration. LNG2026 features a comprehensive programme of panel discussions, keynote addresses, and interactive debates addressing critical issues such as LNG's competitive advantages, market dynamics, and its role in meeting rising global energy demand.
The conference is expected to attract around 4,000 participants and more than 16,000 visitors. The accompanying exhibition spans 35,000 square metres and includes over 300 exhibiting companies from across the global energy value chain. QatarEnergy is participating with an 800-square-metre pavilion showcasing its history and its role as one of the world's largest LNG producers.
Source: Qatar Tribune