French multi-energy company TotalEnergies has signed a deal with QatarEnergy to undertake a joint venture as part of the ‘world’s largest’ liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, North Field East (NFE).
Launched by QatarEnergy in 2019, the NFE – currently under construction – aims to increase Qatar’s total LNG export capacity from 77 Mtpa (million tonnes per annum) to around 110 Mtpa by 2027.
As part of the new JV, TotalEnergies has been awarded a 25% interest.
The southeastern area of the field will be developed as the upstream part of the project and is set to include 8 platforms, 80 wells and gas pipelines to the onshore plant.
Stating that the deal marks an ‘historic’ day for TotalEnergies in Qatar, Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman, CEO, TotalEnergies, said, “Qatar has huge natural gas resources that it intends to develop further to increase the production of the least expensive, the most environmentally respectful and the best located LNG.”
“With its low costs and low greenhouse gas emissions – thanks to carbon capture and storage (CCS) – the North Field expansion will be an exemplary and major contribution to our low-carbon LNG growth strategy.”
This low carbon element will involve the native CO2 from natural gas production being captured and stored in a saline aquifer.
Connected to the country’s electrical grid, the facilities will enable a supply of renewable electricity in line with the country’s climate ambitions.
“This is an historic landmark for Qatar’s energy industry and for the world’s largest LNG development, “ commented Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, President/CEO, QatarEnergy.
“The NFE project is an iconic achievement that will not only ensure the optimal utilisation of Qatar’s natural resources but will also provide the world with the cleaner and more reliable energy it needs.”
