The announcement of equity partners for the first phase of Qatar’s LNG expansion project is now expected to take place in 1Q 2022. Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad Sherida al-Kaabi outlined the timeframe during the Gastech conference in Dubai on 21 September. Previously, Mr Kaabi had stated that the announcements were to be expected by the end of 2021 (MEES, 12 February).

The $28.75bn first phase expansion (North Field East: NFE) will take Qatar’s LNG export capacity up from 77mn t/y to 110mn t/y by early 2027. It entails the construction of four new 8mn t/y liquefaction trains. Qatar intends to award 30% stakes in each train to foreign partners, although Mr Kaabi has frequently reiterated his willingness to go it alone if necessary. (CONTINUED - 762 WORDS)