Qatar’s recent announcement that it will develop a world-scale petrochemical complex using ethane feedstock from the North Field LNG expansion project is another testament to the country’s prudent use of its natural resources for the welfare of its people.  
The proposed petrochemical complex, according to Qatar Petroleum, will include an ethane cracker with a capacity of more than 1.6mn tonnes per year (mtpy) of ethylene, making it the “largest ethane cracker” in the Middle East, and one of the largest in the world.
The petrochemicals complex will also include world-class derivative plants, which will consolidate Qatar’s position among the leading petrochemicals producers in the world markets.
The engineering design of the petrochemicals complex should commence shortly, leading to a planned start-up in 2025.
Recently, QP invited a group of leading international companies, with extensive experiences in the petrochemicals industry, to submit proposals to partner it in the development and operation of the new world scale petrochemicals complex at the Ras Laffan Industrial City.
In July last year, Qatar announced that it will further expand the North Field onshore project, targeting liquefied natural gas (LNG) production of 100mn tpy from the current 77mn tpy. 
The addition of 23mn tpy of LNG will not only enhance Qatar Petroleum’s position as the world’s largest LNG producer and exporter, but also its international image as a reliable and trustworthy energy provider.
The expansion of Qatar’s LNG production from the North Field is an important landmark in Qatar Petroleum’s strategic growth plan and objectives of becoming one of the best national oil and gas companies in the world. 
As Qatar Petroleum President and CEO Saad Sherida al-Kaabi aptly said the new petrochemical complex at Ras Laffan marked another important milestone for QP.
Indeed, petrochemicals represent a major pillar of QP’s growth strategy to achieve its vision of becoming one of the best national oil companies in the world. 
Al-Kaabi said, “This project will complement our efforts to implement our strategy, and will enable Qatar Petroleum to further expand its footprint in the global petrochemicals markets.”
QP expects new production from the North Field, which is the largest non-associated natural gas field in the world, within five to seven years. 
Qatar’s plan is to develop an export-oriented gas project in the North Field.
Since 2005, Qatar Petroleum has been conducting extensive studies and exerting exceptional efforts to assess the North Field, including drilling a number of appraisal wells to better estimate the field’s production potential.
Besides making huge investments in developing the LNG industry in Qatar, QP’s portfolio has been growing rapidly-externally as well.
This is reflected on the fact that all companies in the world, which are based either in Qatar or outside and interested in expanding in liquefied natural gas, are knocking on QP’s doors.
In QP, they see a very reliable, resource-rich, willing and competent partner. Undoubtedly, these partnerships will provide the world with uninterrupted supplies, and more importantly, the much-needed cleaner energy.

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