Al-Sada reiterates key role of gas forum

HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada has reiterated the important role played by the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in developing the exploitation of natural gas efficiently and in raising awareness about its positive results on the environment as a result of the expansion of the use of gas as fuel.Speaking at the 19th ministerial meeting of the GECF in Moscow yesterday, Dr al-Sada stressed the importance of studies and research released by the Forum.He said that Qatar, in view of its leading position as the world’s largest exporter of gas, is making strenuous efforts to fulfil its contractual obligations towards its customers.It succeeded in delivering all shipments on time, even during the current siege and without resorting to the legal provisions under the force majeure.He pointed out that all expectations indicate that the growth rate of demand for natural gas will be the highest among other fossil fuels and will reach about 2% annually from now until 2030.It is also expected that natural gas will replace coal as the second largest source of energy during the same period, and that the share of LNG in the global gas trade will be equal to that of the gas pipeline business.He stressed that the decision of the wise leadership in Qatar to increase the country’s production of LNG in the North Field from 77mn tonnes per year to 100mn tonnes per year during 2022-2024 was to keep pace with the expected growth in demand.Dr al-Sada concluded by stressing the importance of the contribution of all to expand the use of natural gas to reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions.He also called on members of GECF to promote the use of natural gas, especially during the 23rd Climate Change Conference to be held in Berlin next month.The Minister of Energy and Industry and the accompanying delegation also attended the opening ceremony of the Russian Energy Week, which was inaugurated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and its opening coincided with the convening of the GECF meeting.The minister also met with Venezuela’s Minister of Energy Eulogio Del Pino and Minister of Energy of Russia Alexander Novak.He discussed with the Russian minister the progress made by the joint Qatari-Russian committee for economic, commercial, scientific and technical co-operation, the status of the international oil market, the Vienna Conventions and future work plans.Dr al-Sada also met with Algeria’s Minister of Energy Mustapha Guitouni and Bolivia’s Minister of Hydrocarbons and Energy Luis Alberto Sanchez, who briefed Dr al-Sada on the ongoing preparations to host the GECF Summit in Bolivia next month.He also met with the president of Russia’s Rosneft Igor Sechin and discussed energy co-operation.