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Doha, whose energy sector remains a global benchmark, is rapidly expanding into high growth areas, making it the most attractive investment destinations in the region, according to the top official of Invest Qatar."While our energy sector remains a global benchmark, we are rapidly expanding into high growth areas such as technology and digital services, healthcare and life sciences, logistics and supply chain innovation, financial services and fintech," Invest Qatar chief executive officer Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani told Poland Qatar Investment Forum, organised by Polish Embassy and Polish Investment and Trade Agency, in partnership with LuLu and Comarch.To support the development of these sectors, Invest Qatar recently announced a $1bn incentive programme to make Qatar one of the most attractive destinations for strategic investments in the region. It is designed to support new investment, digitise existing operations and create high-skilled jobs, fostering robust growth in the R&D (research and development) ecosystem.Highlighting that Qatar today is home to around 35 Polish companies, which play a vital role in supporting the country's economic diversification and development; he said "the opportunities for Polish businesses in Qatar are not only growing, but they are also evolving in exciting and impactful ways."Polish companies operate across a wide variety of sectors in Qatar, including professional services, logistics and technology, reaffirming the breadth of opportunities available in Qatar, he said at the forum, which also witnessed signing of memorandum of understanding between Invest Qatar and Polish Trade and Investment Agency as well as between Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) and Employers of Qatar."At Invest Qatar, we are committed to supporting Polish businesses at every step of the investment journey, whether you are exploring the market or seeking partnerships or expanding existing operations," Sheikh Ali said.Polish ambassador to Qatar Tomasz Sadziński said more than 30 Polish businesses are represented at the forum from sectors such as energy, IT, automation, infrastructure, food, fashion, consulting, and legal.Highlighting that investing in Poland is even more important today, Łukasz Gwiazdowski, deputy chairman of Polish Investment and Trade Agency, said investing in Poland means investing in a secure, confident, strong European economy, the fastest growing European economy, the sixth European economy and the 20th worldwide economy."Today, investing in Poland is a huge investment for the future. Today is the right moment to invest in Poland, thinking about the European market, thinking about the gateway of the East," according to him.Sheikh Mansoor bin Jassim al-Thani, member, QBA, said over the last five years, the trade exchange between Qatar and Poland has witnessed notable growth of 23%, reaching approximately QR4.8bn in 2023 against QR3.9bn in 2018.**media[385552]**Finding "excellent opportunity" for Qatari and Polish companies to explore collaboration in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, logistics, trade, transport, technology, healthcare, agriculture and advanced manufacturing; he said through joint ventures, knowledge exchange and strategic partnership, the companies can leverage each other's strength to create long-term value, drive innovation and expand into new regional and global markets."Together, we can build partnerships that go beyond traditional trade to include technology, transport, capacity building and sustainable investment models that benefit all nations and elevate our economy, co-operation to new levels," he said.Joanna Makowiecka-Gatza, president, Employers of Poland, said the agreement signed with QBA signifies an active way for Qatar to support Polish businesses and, conversely, to support Qatari partners and the Polish market."Our bilateral relations have enormous potential for further development. We want to be present in Qatar, not mainly to get to know each other, but actually to create trust," she said.

Mannai Energy and Positive Zero have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the deployment of clean energy projects across Qatar. The MoU, which supports Qatar National Vision 2030’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, was signed Abey Rajan, general manager of Mannai Energy, and David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero.The strategic partnership brings together Mannai Energy’s deep expertise in project delivery and local market integration with Positive Zero’s leadership in intelligent, site-integrated energy systems. By leveraging an “as-a-service” model, the collaboration will enable businesses and industries in Qatar to adopt advanced clean energy solutions, such as on-site solar PV (rooftop, carport, and ground-mount), energy efficiency programmes, and clean mobility initiatives, without upfront investment.These solutions are designed to reduce operational costs, lower carbon emissions, and support the nation’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Rajan said, “We are proud to partner with Positive Zero in advancing Qatar’s clean energy agenda.This initiative reflects Mannai Corporation’s dedication to innovation, environmental responsibility, and supporting the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030. Together, we aim to deliver impactful projects that foster sustainable growth, energy resilience, and a better quality of life for future generations.” Auriau said, “We are honoured to collaborate with Mannai Energy in support of Qatar’s National Renewable Energy Strategy and National Climate Change Action Plan.Through this partnership, we will expand access to cost-effective clean energy solutions, empowering Qatar’s businesses and communities to contribute to a sustainable future.” The partnership will also focus on knowledge transfer, capacity building, and the development of local talent — key priorities of Qatar National Vision 2030. Mannai Energy will provide engineering, procurement, construction, and operations and maintenance services to international standards, while Positive Zero will lead project development, financing, and asset management throughout the project lifecycle.

Namibia President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah received His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi in the country's capital Windhoek Thursday.Discussions during the meeting dealt with energy relations and co-operation between Qatar and Namibia and means to enhance them.

His Excellency Minister of State for Energy Affairs Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi met on Wednesday with  Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy of the Federal Republic of Germany Katherina Reiche.During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and energy cooperation, as well as means to enhance them.

His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi met Katherina Reiche, Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, in Doha Wednesday. Discussions during the meeting dealt with energy relations and co-operation between Qatar and Germany and means to enhance them.

Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) and Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) have officially launched the Umm Al Houl 3 primary substation to supply Qatar Free Zones authority. The milestone underscores the ongoing partnership between both entities to advance national power infrastructure and enhance energy reliability across Qatar's free zones.The newly commissioned 132/11 kV substation, with a total capacity of 80 MVA, significantly enhances grid reliability and ensures a stable and efficient power supply to support the growing energy demands of both new and existing investors in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, and emerging technologies.Located in Al Wakra area, it also supports Qatar's wider transmission network serving major industrial and service hubs.Developed under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between QFZ and Kahramaa in 2021, the project underscores their ongoing collaboration to strengthen Qatar's investment environment through world-class, sustainable infrastructure that supports expanding business and logistics activities across the free zones.Umm Al Houl 3 Substation enhances the efficiency and stability of Qatar's electricity transmission network and expands capacity to meet future urban and industrial demand. Equipped with advanced digital systems for monitoring and control, as well as modern protection technologies, it strengthens grid reliability and reduces outages. The substation's design and operations follow the highest environmental standards, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability in line with Kahramaa's future-ready vision.Director of Kahramaa's Technical Affairs Sector, Ahmed Nasser al-Naser, said: "The inauguration of Umm Al Houl 3 Substation embodies Kahramaa's strategic vision to lead the electricity and water sector through innovative projects that ensure service continuity and excellence. This facility supports the needs of Qatar's growing economic and service sectors and reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure in line with the country's national development plans."Acting Chief Zones Development at QFZ, Abdulla al-Rewaily, commented: "The inauguration of the Umm Al Houl 3 Substation is a key milestone in the ongoing development of Umm Alhoul Free Zone as a strategic base for advanced industry and maritime operations. Robust, future-ready infrastructure remains central to QFZ's mission to create a globally competitive environment where businesses can grow, innovate, and connect. Our collaboration with Kahramaa reflects the strength of national partnerships in enabling sustainable growth and advancing the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030."Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) remains focused on expanding and modernising the infrastructure that underpins its dynamic industrial ecosystem. Through ongoing collaboration with leading national partners such as Kahramaa, QFZ continues to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the free zones' operating environment to meet the needs of existing and future investors.

It’s a great time to be an oil refiner — but a less great time to be filling up at the pump.In Europe, the US and Asia, giant plants are making money by doing what they’ve always done: converting crude oil into vital fuels and selling them at a profit.What’s different today is the scale of the threat to global supplies: Relentless attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, outages at key plants in Asia and Africa and permanent closures across Europe and the US have removed millions of barrels of diesel and gasoline from the world market.On top of these real-world impacts are traders’ fears of what’s yet to come: imminent US sanctions on Lukoil PJSC and Rosneft PJSC and fresh European Union curbs on fuels made from Russian crude threaten already squeezed supply-chains.The result is ongoing pressure on costs at the pump despite a fall in global oil prices — something that’s unlikely to sit well with a US administration that sees “affordable energy” as essential.“Global refinery margins are astronomical,” said Eugene Lindell, head of refined products at consultancy FGE NexantECA. “The signal you’re giving the global refining system, no matter where the refinery is located, is to just run flat out.”In the US, Europe and Asia, margins are the highest they’ve been at this time of year since at least 2018, according to fair value data compiled by Bloomberg. The profits are so good that refiners’ stock prices are also surging: Processors including Valero Energy Corp and Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS have seen stellar rises, while Orlen SA gained more than 100% year-to-date.While expectations of a glut are dragging on crude prices, disruption to the global refining system is limiting how much oil can be turned into products like gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. While that benefits the processors still running, it also means the slump in headline oil prices isn’t being felt at the pump.A constant stream of attacks on Russia’s refineries — just this month, Ukraine claimed strikes on the Saratov, Orsk and Volgograd plants — is hampering fuel production. Last month, Russia’s huge oil product exports were on course to hit a multi-year low, and that was before drone attacks damaged key loading facilities in the port city of Tuapse.Product supplies are being further squeezed by outages elsewhere. In Kuwait, the giant 615,000 barrel-a-day Al-Zour refinery recently had only one of its three crude processing units operating, while a key gasoline-production unit at Nigeria’s huge Dangote refinery is reportedly scheduled to halt for about 50 days of maintenance in coming weeks, having only recently begun restarting.Meanwhile, US crude runs in recent weeks have been more than a million barrels a day lower than the same time last year, a huge drop from the peak summer demand months, when processing was at its highest seasonal level since 2019. The country has seen multiple refinery closures in recent years, as has western Europe, further pressuring fuel supplies.“Global refining activity has been challenged by a series of unplanned outages in October, further constraining product markets and pushing margins even higher,” the International Energy Agency said Thursday. Increased profits have prompted the watchdog to raise its estimates for runs at margin-sensitive refining assets in Europe and Asia this month and next.In the US, the upshot is a rise in the average price of diesel since President Trump took office, and little change in the cost of gasoline, which on Thursday stood at $3.08 a gallon. Benchmark crude futures have meanwhile come off about 20% since his second inauguration, amid forecasts of a large surplus.Supercharging these ongoing real-world supply pressures are traders’ fears over what’s on the horizon.“The current strength in refining margins is at least partially being driven by uncertainty around the upcoming US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, as well as the EU’s January prohibitions on Russian products,” said Rebecca Babin, a senior energy trader at CIBC Private Wealth Group.FGE’s Lindell estimates Lukoil and Rosneft’s combined Russia oil product exports are more than 800,000 barrels a day. The global seaborne trade in oil products is about 22mn barrels a day, according to Clarkson Research Services Ltd., a unit of the world’s largest shipbroker.Any major disruption to those exports would be a shock to the global fuels market, though the extent to which those barrels would really disappear is unclear. Russia has shown that it often manages to work around sanctions.There are also questions about what comes next for refineries outside Russia in which Lukoil is involved, including Bulgaria’s Burgas facility, the Netherlands’ Zeeland plant and Romania’s Petrotel.Then there are the EU restrictions, coming into force January 21, which restrict the delivery of petroleum products made from Russian crude into the bloc. Precisely how these will end up impacting Europe’s diesel supplies from India and Turkey — both of which have also been key importers of Russian crude — remains to be seen.“The sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil, on top of the recent sanctions package out of the EU, tightened the noose around Russia’s neck,” said Carolyn Kissane, an associate dean at the Center for Global Affairs at New York University, where she teaches about energy and climate change. “At the same time, you’re seeing more attacks driven by Ukraine against Russian infrastructure, which is a hit to the products market.”

China’s dominance in clean energy has put the country on a singularly strong footing when it comes to competing with the rest of the world — particularly the US — in building artificial intelligence.That’s according to Julian Wentzel, chief sustainability officer at HSBC Holdings, who says an economy built on renewable energy brings with it advantages that can’t be replicated by fossil fuels.“China has put themselves in a very unique position in terms of the energy requirement to fuel their economy and ultimately their AI architecture,” Wentzel said in an interview.The vast build-out of clean energy in China — the country is on track to once again break its own record in installing renewable power this year — “enhances their cost of capital,” he said.Once renewable energy infrastructure is built and the upfront investment has been paid off, producing extra energy carries effectively no incremental cost; fossil fuels, in contrast, require ongoing costs for extraction, transport, refining and distribution, he said.“Once you’ve got the architecture in place, as the demand grows, you can deliver that demand at zero cost,” Wentzel said. As the “percentage cost of every incremental kilojoule of power relative to total GDP declines over time,” it becomes “a very powerful lever to the underlying growth of an economy.”The comments stand in contrast to the policy position of the government in the US, where Energy Secretary Chris Wright has argued that a rapid transition to clean energy will raise energy costs and hurt economic growth. And for now, fossil fuels continue to provide a major share of the energy powering AI data centres.Microsoft Corp Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella said recently the supply of power, rather than the availability of semiconductors, accounted for the biggest bottleneck in data centre capacity. And by some estimates, the energy needs of existing and planned AI infrastructure in the US can’t be met with current supply.That dynamic has created an opportunity for oil majors to cash in on the enormous demand for energy that will be needed to power data centres. Chevron Corp said on Wednesday it will provide natural gas-fired power to a data centre in West Texas, the beginning of a new line of business for the company to capitalise on the AI boom.The global race to dominate AI depends on an array of factors that includes chips and supply chains as well as rare earths and key metals such as copper. But energy supply is key, and because renewables are low-cost to run once infrastructure is built, countries that have greater access to them have an advantage, Wentzel said.China is challenging developments in the West not just due to its dominance in cheap renewable energy, but also due to its approach to building artificial intelligence. That became apparent earlier this year, when startup DeepSeek indicated the country is capable of producing AI at a much lower cost and greater energy efficiency than US rivals.China’s growing dominance is also shaping talks at the COP30 summit in Belem, Brazil, where California Governor Gavin Newsom took several opportunities to warn that the US risks losing out on numerous fronts.One of the great abdications of the climate fight is “the own goal of the president of the US who simply doesn’t understand how enthusiastic President Xi is that the Trump administration is nowhere at COP30,” Newsom said.The US and legacy automakers “better wake up to that,” Newsom said at a press conference. “This is about economic power.”China manufactures about 80% of the world’s solar panels, supplies some 60% of the planet’s wind turbines, 70% of its electric vehicles and 75% of batteries, all at a lower financial cost than the West.To be sure, though China is adding unprecedented amounts of wind and solar, it’s still investing heavily in fossil fuels. That includes coal, which is one of the reasons the country produces almost 30% of global emissions.Wentzel said economies that rely more on clean energy are also more likely to reduce volatility in inflation.“Removing dependence on fuel commodities reduces capital account fluctuations, exposure to inflation and price swings,” he said. “As renewable systems scale, energy costs as a share of GDP can fall, strengthening the financial efficiency of the system and supporting higher economic growth.”

His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, who is also the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, held talks with Choi Yeon-hye, President and CEO of Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) during a visit to South Korea. Discussions during the meeting centred on enhancing bilateral co-operation and expanding business relations with one of the important buyers of Qatari LNG.

His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi met with Kim Min-seok, Prime Minister of South Korea in Seoul Wednesday. Discussions during the meeting dealt with energy relations and co-operation between Qatar and Korea and means to enhance them.

India and Bhutan Tuesday expanded their energy ties during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Himalayan nation where he extended a Rs40bn ($455mn) line of credit and inaugurated a hydroelectric power project.India’s outreach to Bhutan is seen as an effort to grow its influence in the region and draw the country wedged between China and India closer to New Delhi as Beijing steps up its engagement to resolve a long-running border dispute with Bhutan and establish diplomatic relations.Modi is on a two-day visit to the country and Tuesday addressed a gathering to mark the birthday celebrations of Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s father. “The partnership of trust and development between India and Bhutan stands as a model for the entire region,” he said. “As both our countries progress rapidly, our energy partnership is further accelerating this growth.”Modi said his visit would deepen ties and that their partnership was a “key pillar” of India’s “neighbourhood first” policy.Later in the day, he inaugurated the India-funded 1,020-megawatt Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric power project, which he said would increase Bhutan’s hydropower generating capacity by nearly 40%.It is the fifth Indian-backed hydropower project in the country which altogether generate a total of nearly 3,000 megawatts of power. The line of credit extended by India Tuesday is also aimed at funding energy projects, the Indian government said.Lok Nath Sharma, a former minister for energy in Bhutan, said the excess energy will be exported to India after meeting local demand which is about 1,000 megawatts.

His Excellency Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi met on Tuesday in Tokyo with the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan Akazawa Ryosei.During the meeting, they discussed bilateral and cooperation relations between the two countries in the energy field, and ways to enhance them.HE Minister of State for Energy Affairs also met with senior Japanese energy industry leaders, including Chairman of the Board of Maruben, Masumi Kakinoki, and Managing Executive Officer of Tohoku Electric, Kaoru Hijikata.During the meetings, discussions focused on existing and future cooperation and further strengthening bilateral relations in the energy sector.