Doha: HE Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, announced that QatarEnergy is poised to become the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), chemical fertilizers, and helium gas in the coming years. Speaking at the opening of the 21st International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026) in Doha, His Excellency highlighted Qatar's ambitious energy strategy under the guidance of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
According to Qatar News Agency, Qatar's LNG industry is undergoing unprecedented expansion, with projects set to boost production capacity from 77 million tons per annum to 160 million tons, including 142 million tons from the North Field. This expansion is expected to contribute around 40 percent of new global LNG supplies over the next decade. As part of this growth, QatarEnergy has initiated the largest LNG carrier construction program in history, planning to expand its fleet to approximately 200 vessels, making it the largest LNG fleet worldwide.
His Excellency also noted the strategic expansion in the petrochemicals sector, both within Qatar and internationally, with production capacity projected to increase by nearly 235 percent. This move aims to enhance the supply of high-value products to global markets. Further, he announced the establishment of a new world-scale urea fertilizer complex, which will more than double production capacity, positioning Qatar as the leading exporter of urea.
Additionally, production capacity for condensates and liquefied petroleum gas is set to increase by about 60 percent, while helium production is expected to rise by 115 percent, reinforcing Qatar's global leadership in these exports. In renewable energy, QatarEnergy has made significant strides in solar energy projects, with total generation capacity anticipated to exceed 5,000 megawatts by 2030, fulfilling nearly 30 percent of Qatar's national electricity grid requirements.
His Excellency reaffirmed QatarEnergy's commitment to sustainability, investment across the energy value chain, and adherence to high safety and environmental standards. The LNG2026 conference in Doha addresses key issues such as artificial intelligence in the energy sector, continued investment and innovation, and the role of natural gas in supporting human development, particularly in developing nations.