Qatar has unveiled a new plan to expand its LNG liquefaction capacity by 64% by 2027. After new exploration works, North Field’s reserves are new estimated to reach 1,760 tcf (about 49,800 bcm). Following the discoveries, state-run oil and gas corporation Qatar Petroleum has started to build two additional LNG trains, with a combined capacity of 16 Mt/year (21.6 bcm/y). As a result, Qatar’s LNG production and exporting capacity will increase from the current 77 Mt/year (104 bcm/y) to 126 Mt/year by 2027 (170 bcm/y).
Qatar is currently the largest LNG producer worldwide, thanks to 14 liquefaction trains with a cumulated capacity of 77 Mt/year (104 bcm/y). The Qatargas complex includes three 3.2 Mt/year trains (Qatargas I, 1996-1998) and four 7.8 Mt/year trains grouped in Qatargas II (2009), Qatargas III (2010) and Qatargas IV (2011). The Ras Laffan complex includes two 3.3 Mt/year trains (Ras Laffan I, 1999), three 4.7 Mt/year trains (Ras Laffan II, 1999-2007) and two 7.8 Mt/year trains (Ras Laffan III, 2009-2010). Qatar Petroleum holds a majority stake in all trains (from 65% to 70%).
In September 2018, Qatar Petroleum raised its LNG capacity expansion target, from 100 Mt/year to 110 Mt/year in 2024, representing an increase of 43% from its current production capacity, with the construction of a fourth LNG train of around 8.6 Mt/year, on top of the three 7.8 Mt/year train previously announced and expected in 2024, adding 32 Mt/year of liquefaction capacity.