Qatar Energy

With plentiful supplies of natural gas, Qatar has over the years looked for alternatives to its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, from investments in industrial facilities to value-added processing. One increasingly viable option is the manufacturing of gas-to-liquid (GTL) products, which are enjoying growing demand by the global marketplace.

As one of the world’s largest consumers of water and electricity on a per capita basis, Qatar is looking to reduce its utilities usage. However, with the demand for water likely to outstrip supply in the near future, the government is also taking steps to boost capacity.

The world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is spreading its wings into energy ventures far from the vast reserves on its own doorstep. Qatar is investing in shale-related projects in North America and elsewhere to help maintain its position as one of the top players in the global gas market.

A move to bring the marketing and sales side of Qatar’s chemical, fertiliser and polymer operations under one umbrella is an indication of the country’s plans to build a larger and more vibrant downstream petrochemicals sector, which is expected to see increased revenues from plans to more than double production by 2020.

Aiming to reduce both its greenhouse emissions and its use of hydrocarbons to generate power, Qatar is looking to embrace solar technology. This could lead to the development of a local industry with the potential for exports in the longer term.

With 79m tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced per year, Qatar is continuing to secure long- and short-term supply deals in major markets, targeting both developed and emerging economies.