QatarEnergy opens LNG2026 as global leaders gather to shape the future of energy – Doha News

The 21st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas has kicked off in Doha, uniting global leaders to discuss LNG markets, innovation, and future energy supply.

Under the esteemed patronage of the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, QatarEnergy kicked off the 21st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026) in Qatar, the home of LNG.

The four-day event, running until 5 February, brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts from over 80 countries to discuss market trends, innovation, and the future of global energy.

The opening ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Center began with a recitation from the Holy Quran and featured a performance showcasing Qatar’s maritime and gas heritage, setting the tone for the country’s longstanding role in the energy sector.

In his opening speech, Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs and QatarEnergy President and CEO, welcomed attendees, saying: “Your presence today reflects Qatar’s leading position in LNG and underscores our commitment to enhancing international cooperation and sharing expertise to develop a more prosperous future for all.”

Al-Kaabi emphasised Qatar’s strategic role in meeting global energy demand, particularly in Northeast Asia. “It is a pleasure that the conference takes place at a time when Qatar stands out as a major energy power, particularly in the LNG sector, and through its growing role in supplying global energy markets,” he said.

He credited the Amir’s support for these achievements: “Thanks to the continuous and unlimited support and wise directives of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, QatarEnergy continues its steadfast journey, enhancing Qatar’s presence and standing among nations.”

The CEO outlined QatarEnergy’s ambitious production targets, including an increase in LNG output from 77 to 120 million tonnes annually, with 104 million tonnes from the North Field.

“Our projects over the next decade will account for approximately 40 per cent of new global LNG supplies,” Al-Kaabi said, highlighting Qatar’s expanding influence in the sector.

He also detailed the company’s shipbuilding programme, the largest in the industry’s history, to support growth and operational efficiency.

“To accompany this expansion, we launched the world’s largest LNG vessel programme, comprising 128 advanced carriers with superior operational and environmental standards,” Al-Kaabi explained.

“We have received 38 new vessels, and a new carrier will be delivered every three weeks, establishing Qatar with the world’s largest LNG fleet, expected to reach 200 vessels in the coming years,” he added.

Al-Kaabi further highlighted QatarEnergy’s chemical and helium projects, which complement LNG production and support global food security.

“QatarEnergy is supporting global food security through the establishment of a new world-scale urea fertiliser complex, the largest urea exporter in the world, increasing our current production capacity by more than 110 per cent.”

He added, “This is complemented by a 60 per cent increase in condensate and LPG production and a 155 per cent rise in helium output, positioning QatarEnergy as the world’s leading exporter of LNG, chemical fertilisers, and helium in the coming years.”

Throughout his address, Al-Kaabi reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, and expanding access to energy worldwide.

“We are committed to maintaining the highest safety and environmental standards, enhancing sustainability, and reducing emissions. Our mission is to ensure that energy reaches everyone and to promote sustainable development for all, particularly for nearly a billion people currently lacking electricity and traditional fuels,” he stated.

The conference programme will feature high-level panel discussions and interactive debates on critical topics, including LNG’s role in meeting global energy demand and its competitive advantages.

Alongside the conference, the LNG2026 exhibition will span 35,000 square meters and host 300 exhibitors from across the LNG value chain.