There is no other way of putting it - the economy of the country is pegged on to its huge reserves of oil and gas. And with oil prices on the rise touching $135, it is celebration time for the industry.
By Sindhu Nair
It is not what we have that is to be applauded, but how best we make use of the endowment bestowed on us, which makes us stand out. Qatar, with its huge reserves of gas is not taking it easy, but finding ways to best utilise, produce, sustain and supply its riches.
With the world's third-largest natural gas resources, Qatar is now at an advanced stage of creating a vibrant and diversified 21st century economy, fuelled by a chain of 'value-added' downstream industries capable of withstanding downturns in world energy markets.
The country has also become the largest exporter of LNG, this year. Celebrating this major achievement Qatar Today lists other milestones that the country has achieved in the oil and gas industry in 2007-08, taking a glance at the efforts the country is taking in sustaining its reserves.
Gas to Riches While Qatar is a member of the Organization of the Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) and is a significant oil producer, the government has devoted more resources to the development of natural gas in recent years, particularly for export as liquefied natural gas (LNG). HE the Deputy Premier Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah has said that Qatar is now in every segment of the gas portfolio - in LNG, NGL, GTL and pipeline gas.
Qatar has reportedly surpassed Indonesia to become the largest exporter of LNG in the world. Together, revenues from the oil and natural gas sectors amount to 60 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).
Dolphin Gas Processing Plant, being inaugurated by HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi recently
Domestically, the vast majority of Qatar's total energy consumption comes from natural gas (79 percent), while the balance is supplied by oil. Qatar plans to boost total production of LNG to 77 million tonnes per year in 2011, up from 31 million tonnes now.
Qatar's North Field natural gas production will scale up to 22 billion cubic feet a day, equivalent of 5 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2012. "We are also investing billions of dollars on developing our LNG transportation industry. Our fleet will comprise some 58 ships, including the world's largest Q-Max and state-of-the-art Q-Flex vessels. We will receive the first Q-Max vessel in July," he said.
Qatar is also on its way to become the world's leader in gas-to-liquids production and the construction of the world's largest GTL plant - Pearl at Ras Laffan (with a production capacity of 120,000 barrels oil equivalent daily of condensate, LPG and ethane and 140,000 bpd of clean liquid fuels) is fast progressing.
Al Attiyah also mentioned that Qatar has achieved value addition to its gas by developing petrochemical industries. The country is now a global leader in the production of fertilisers, methanol and polyethylene as well.
Qatar Shell A Happening Year
February 22, 2007 Foundation stone laid for Pearl gas to liquids project. His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad AlThani laid the foundation stone for the Pearl Gas to Liquids (GTL) project, a world-scale integrated project that will make Qatar the GTL capital of the world. Pearl GTL is not only the world's largest integrated GTL project, but also the largest energy project ever launched within the borders of Qatar.
The Hague, Netherlands June 7, 2007 Shell & QP to jointly pursue international opportunities Qatar Petroleum International (QPI) a wholly owned subsidiary of QP, and a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at identifying and developing international projects of mutual interest throughout the energy value chain.
July10, 2007 QP and Shell announce formation of the Qatargas 4 joint venture company and the signing of the LNG sale and purchase agreement QP and Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell) announced the incorporation of Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Limited (4), a joint venture between an affiliate of QP (70%) and an affiliate of Shell (30%), which will own the Qatargas 4 project's onshore and offshore assets. At the same event, this newly formed joint venture company signed a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with a Shell affiliate as buyer of all the LNG volume produced by this large-scale project.
July 10, 2007 Qatargas 4 to utilise eight of Nakilat's LNG Carriers QP transferred to Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Limited (Qatargas 4) the time charter parties for the eight liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels following the company's recent formation. The eight vessels will be owned and operated by Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat).
July 10, 2007 Nakilat and Shell celebrate the formal signing of the Master Services Agreement for LNG fleet operations Qatar Gas Transport Company Ltd (Nakilat) and Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (Shell) formalised the November 2006 execution of the Master Services Agreement, in which Shell was appointed as the shipping and maritime services provider for Nakilat's fleet of some 25 new-build liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.
Beijing, China April 10, 2008 PetroChina, Qatargas and Shell sign first long-term Qatar - China LNG deal Qatargas, Shell and PetroChina signed binding sales and purchase agreements that will lead to the long-term supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) originating from The State of Qatar to the rapidly growing Chinese market.
April 13, 2008 Qatar Shell Opens a Community Office in Al Khor Qatar Shell officially opened the company's Community Office in the presence of Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Director of Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC), and representatives from the Al-Khor and Al-Dhakhira City Councils and business communities. The Community Office, located on the first floor of the Food Plaza on the Main Commercial Street in Al-Khor, was opened in an effort to better integrate Qatar Shell into the Al-Khor and Al -Dhakhira communities by facilitating a more direct and efficient interaction with the local residents.
Dubai, UAE April 20, 2008 Qatargas and Shell to supply LNG to Dubai Qatargas and Shell announced that they have signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement to supply Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The contract is for an approximate term of 15 years.
April 28, 2008 Shell Opens Research and Technology Centre at Qatar Science and Technology Park At a unique ceremony at the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), Qatar's Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Industry, His Excellency Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah officially opened Shell's state-of-the-art research and technology facility. Also witnessing this important milestone was Malcolm Brinded, Shell's Executive Director for Exploration and Production. The Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre (QSRTC) is part of Shell's global research and technology organisation and has been operating out of a start-up location within Education City since 2005.
Largest Energy Venture Dolphin Energy Gas Processing Plant, which is central to the $4.8 billion Dolphin Project, is another major achievement that the country has scaled this year.
The Middle East's largest energy venture was inaugurated by HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Ras Laffan recently.
The event marked the successful completion of the Dolphin Project, which involves the production and processing of natural gas from the North Field, and the transportation of about 2 billion cubic feet per day of lean gas by sub-sea export pipeline from Qatar to the UAE. This is the equivalent of 333,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil.
Dolphin Energy, a major acheivement scaled by the country, is seen as the creation of a full enegy value added chain - from gas wells in offshore Qatar, onahore processing plant, Gas export pipeline and supply network targerting customers in the UAE initially and Oman later
Dolphin sources gas from the North Field, the largest single non-associated gas field in the world, under an agreement with Qatar Petroleum (QP) and pumps the processed gas to its Chewelah (UAE) facility through a 370-km pipeline.
The project's construction activities took seven years to complete, but it has seen the creation of a full energy value chain - from gas wells in offshore Qatar, onshore processing plant, gas export pipeline and supply network targeting customers in the UAE initially, and Oman later.
Dolphin Energy has long-term contracts with consumers in the UAE, mainly utilities for the supply of Qatari gas from the North Field. They include Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Company and Union Water & Electricity Company and Dubai Supply Authority. Each of them has signed a 25-year supply agreement with Dolphin Energy.
It also supplies gas to consumers in Ras Al Kamiah and Sharjah on a short-term basis.
Dolphin Energy will carry gas to Oman later this year, following the completion of Oman's new cross-border facilities at Buraimi next month.
Dolphin Energy is already in a deal with Oman for the supply of up to 200 million standard cubic feet a day of natural gas.
Qatargas Celebration Time
Qatargas celebrated its 10 years of being in business in 2007 and there has been a spate of other milestones that the company has scaled. Other than these achievements, the company also accomplished various safety milestones.
July 2007 Formation of Qatargas 4 Qatar Petroleum (QP) and Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell) announced the incorporation of Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Limited (4), a joint venture between an affiliate of QP (70%) and an affiliate of Shell (30%), which will own the Qatargas 4 project's onshore and offshore assets. At the same event, this newly formed joint venture company signed a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with a Shell affiliate as buyer of all the LNG volume produced by this large-scale project. The SPA was signed on behalf of Qatargas 4 by His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar and Qatar Petroleum Chairman, and by Linda Cook, Shell's Executive Director Gas & Power. Also present at the signing was Faisal Bin Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Qatargas Operating Company Limited.
South Korea, August 22, 2007 First Q-Max keel laying Qatargas today marked an important milestone in its ship construction programme with the laying of the keel of the first Q-Max vessel to be constructed at Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea. The Q-Max vessels represent a quantum leap in the size of liquefied natural gas carriers and will be the first ships in their class. With a capacity of up to 266,000 cubic metres, an overall length of 345 metres, powered by slow speed diesel engines and on-board re-liquefaction plants they are a step apart from the traditional LNG carriers in service today.
September 7, 2007 Naming of first Q-Flex vessels Qatargas named the first two Q-Flex LNG vessels - Al Ruwais and Al Safliya - at a special ceremony held at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Ltd. (DSME) ship building yard in Geoje Island. The ceremony which was presided over by His Excellency Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy and Industry and Neil Duffin, President of ExxonMobil Development Co. officially named the two ships which are the first of 45 large LNG ships to be delivered for Qatar.
November 13, 2007 Completion of Qatargas 1 drilling for the Plateau Maintenance Project Qatargas has successfully started up a new well known as NFB-24. This is the second well to be drilled this year following the successful start-up of NFB-25 in August 2007. The successful startup of NFB-24 marks the completion of Plateau Maintenance Project (PMP) Phase-1 drilling. The PMP is part of the ongoing efforts by Qatargas to ensure steady and stable production from the North Field Bravo block which supplies up to 1.6 billion cubic feet of gas/day to the onshore processing facilities at Ras Laffan.
November 20, 2007 Completion Of Qatargas 2 Drilling Campaign Qatargas held a special celebration and awards ceremony to recognize the team work between Qatargas and RasGas which has achieved the outstanding and safe completion of the Qatargas 2 drilling campaign. Agreement to supply LNG to Mexico ( a new market for Qatar and Qatargas).
April 1, 2008 Arrival of first Q-Flex to RLC Qatargas celebrated another milestone for Qatar with the first Q-Flex transiting the Suez Canal. With a capacity of 210,000 m3, the Q-Flex Duhail is the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) ship to pass through the canal. The Duhail is scheduled to discharge its LNG cargo in Cartagena, Spain - for GasNatural Ð a Spanish buyer of Qatargas.
The Continuing Spiral Qatar Petroleum (QP), the main vehicle for energy exploration/development, plans to invest a further $80-100 billion in upstream and downstream sectors over the medium-term, with much of this derived from global energy giants.
The US super major ExxonMobil alone has invested $40 billion in Qatar's energy sector. UK and French companies also account for a large share of foreign direct investment (FDI).
Besides oil and gas, the petrochemicals industry has attracted higher FDI inflows in recent years, bolstered by continuing high global demand.
A combination of sound regulatory climate, first-world infrastructure, fiscal incentives coupled with political stability have helped to attract foreign investments in the natural resources, petrochemicals, telecoms, power and tourism sectors.
HE, the Finance Minister, Yousef Hussain Kamal said recently, "By 2015, the government should be able to survive largely and without, if necessary, oil and gas. That is why we are diversifying here and abroad."
That view was echoed by Sheikh Hamad, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of Development Planning, "We've monetised our hydrocarbons well. What Qatar appreciates is that diversification of the economy is key to overall sustainability."
Petrochemicals Expansion Qatar stands to earn more per barrel of crude oil and per billion cubic feet/day (cf/d) of natural gas produced by converting units of oil/gas into high-quality refined products such as gas-to-liquids (GTL) and petrochemicals. Prof Jean Seznec of Columbia University (US) calculated that if a barrel of oil generates export receipts of $60, the same barrel converted into petrochemicals products could fetch $200.
HE, Yousef Hussain Kamal, the Finance Minister, said recently, "By 2015, the government should be able to survive largely and without, if necessary, oil and gas. That is why we are diversifying here and abroad."
The gas-fuelled industries are poised for rapid expansion over the next five years. Qatar aims to possess the worldÕs fourth-largest petrochemicals output capacity of 28 million tonnes per year (tpy) from 16 different products by 2012, underpinned by a $15 billion investment programme. As feedstock accounts for three-quarters of production costs, the super-giant North Field is the backbone of the downstream sector. Foreign chemicals majors have joined forces with QP to make Qatar a leading regional exporter with a diversified and carefully balanced portfolio. Qapco, Q-Chem, Q-Vinyl and Qafco among others, are spearheading this expansion drive.
Petrochemical plants are projected to account for three-fifths of QatarÕs final energy consumption by 2030. In essence, a shrewd industrial diversification strategy is poised to reap hefty dividends. By the end of this decade, Qatar should boast a world scale LNG sector and sophisticated downstream industries, which, in turn, will increase long-term export capabilities and enhance its position in world energy markets.
QAPCO Putting Plans into Action
Qatar Petrochemical Company Ltd. (QAPCO) is one of the leading producers of ethylene and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in the region. QAPCO manufacturing facilities consist of an Ethylene Plant with a designed annual capacity of 720 KTA (the Capacity increased from 525KTA to 720KTA after the successful startup of its ethylene expansion project in the last quarter of 2007), two Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plants of the global capacity of 400KTA and a sulphur plant of 70KTA beside the self sufficient utilities plants and other offsite & auxiliary facilities.
Ethylene Plant Expansion Project (EP2) The EP2 project to increase the existing ethylene capacity from 525KTA to 720KTA was successfully completed during the last quarter of 2007. The project also involves integration of QAPCO debutanizer with QCHEM de-propanizor stream into the production of fully hydrogenated gasoline that is being supplied to SEEF in Mesaieed for its LAB project and production of a fully hydrogenated propane/Butane mix that is being supplied to QP/NGL for the production of LPG. The project also includes revamping of Sulphur recovery unit which will improve the sulphur recovery rate and installation of a new incinerator which will ensure the reduction of sulphur emission to an environment friendly level.
QATOFIN-LLDPE Project Direct investment in QATOFIN LLDPE project, a joint venture between QAPCO 63%, QP 1% and TOTAL Petrochemical 36% to produce 450KTA of Linear Low density polyethylene (LLDPE) at Mesaieed Industrial City. The project is at advanced stage of completion. The LLDPE plant will process around 422KTA of ethylene and 38KTA of butene in order to produce 450KTA of LLDPE. The ethylene feed would be supplied from Ras Laffan Cracker.
Ras Laffan Cracker (RLOC) Project Indirect investment in Ras Laffan Cracker project through joint venture between QATOFIN 46%, QCHEM-II 53% & QP 1% to produce 1.3 Million Tons of Ethylene at Ras Laffan Industrial City. The EPC contract in respect of Cracker was awarded to Technip France in August 2005. The project is at advanced stage of completion. The QATOFIN Share of ethylene approx. 600KTA would be supplied through 120KM pipeline from Ras Laffan to Mesaieed. This will be one of the largest ethane Cracker in the World.
The QATOFIN LLDPE/RLOC Cracker Projects have been designed with a view to optimizing the utilization of ethane gas feedstock that will be made available in Qatar, as a result of further development of the country's gas resources, combining the interests of the existing petrochemical investors in Qatar to create one of the world's largest ethane cracker, maximizing economies of scale, and developing industrial synergies with other petrochemical ventures at MIC. All plants of QATOFIN LLDPE and Ras Laffan Cracker are scheduled to start at the end of 2008 for a commercial production expected early 2009.
LDPE-3 After the successful startup of Ethylene Expansion project (EP-2), QAPCO's current ethylene production capacity is now increased to over 720-740KT per annum. After meeting its LDPE feed requirements and QVC requirements, the net excess ethylene is being exported overseas now. This net excess ethylene volume will be boosted to a level of around 250-270 KT in 2009 with the availability of additional excess ethylene from the commencement of operations on Ras Laffan RLOC/QATOFIN projects. Keeping in view the above, QAPCO is now in the process of establishing a third LDPE Plant of the Capacity of 250KTA expandable to 300KTA at its existing operational facilities located at Mesaieed Industrial City (MIC). The LDPE-3 Project is forecasted to be completed by the end of 2011. After the startup of LDPE-3, QAPCO's total LDPE production capacity would be increased to over 650 KTPA, being one of the largest single locations of LDPE production in the World. By the end of year 2011, QAPCO is expected to be one of the major players in the petrochemical business from Middle East region with having Ethylene & PE capacity from its all ventures to the tune of over 1.1 million tonnes and 0.95 million tonnes per annum, respectively.
Qatari Energy Profile In 2006, International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that Qatar produced 1.1 million barrels per day (bbl/d) of total oil liquids, of which 815,000 bbl/d was crude oil. In 2006, Qatar's crude production and oil reserves were the lowest among OPEC member countries. In 2006, Qatar also produced an estimated 250,000 bbl/d of natural gas liquids (NGLs) and 35,000 bbl/d of condensate, each of which are exempt from the countryÕs OPEC crude oil production quota. During 2006, Qatar consumed an estimated 99,000 bbl/d of oil, with most of the country's oil production going to exports.
The offshore North Field (covering 2,316 sq miles), the world's largest non-associated gas reservoir, discovered in 1971 by Shell, holds proven reserves of 905 trillion standard cubic feet, or 15 percent of global gas resources, plus 12-15 billion barrels of associated condensates (very light oil). QatarÕs proven natural gas reserves stood at 910.5 trillion cubic feet (tcf) as of January 2007, which is about 15 percent of the total world reserves and the third-largest in the world behind Russia and Iran, QatarÕs share of world gas exports could represent one-fifth of aggregate in 2030, according to the IEA.
The smaller onshore Dukhan field contains five and 0.5 tcf of associated and non-associated gas.
Total natural gas output is predicted at 25 billion cubic feet per day (cf/d) by 2011, from currently 11 billion cf/d, a 127 percent increase over the period.
Qatar is now ranked as the No.1 LNG exporter (surpassing Indonesia). Total capacity should reach 77.2 million tonnes, or 100 billion cubic metres/year by 2010, equivalent to one-third of projected world supply, as new projects under-construction by Qatar Gas and RasGas come on stream. LNG will account for over a half of gas production when current projects are completed.
Besides LNG, Qatar is projected to become the No.1 exporter of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), with output of 12 million t/y by 2012. QP is investing $5 billion to expand sustainable capacity to 1.1 million bpd in 2009, from the current level of 885,000 bpd. Total production could reach 1.25 million Ð 1.5 million bpd by 2015.
Foreign energy companies operating in Qatar include Anadarko Petroleum, BP, ChevronTexaco, ExxonMobil, Maersk, Mitsui, Occidental, OMV, Phillips Petroleum, Royal Dutch Shell and Total. The international oil companies (IOCs) account for over one-third of total oil production.
Qatar's sole refinery at Umm Said has a capacity of 137,000 bpd. A new refinery under-construction at Ras Laffan will produce 146,000 bpd from next year, and a third (under-study) at Shaheen, if approved, would add a further 200,000 bpd by 2010. Thus, total refining capacity could reach 483,000 bpd.
Electricity generation per capita is amongst the world's highest with demand rising by nine per cent/year. In 2005, installed capacity was 3,069 MW. An extra 3,200 MW capacity is due online by 2010 costing $2.2 billion. The IEA projects total investment over the 2004-2030 period at $6 billion, of which half will be in power plants and the remainder in transmission/distribution systems.
Qatar is now ranked as the No.1 LNG exporter (surpassing Indonesia). Total capacity should reach 77.2 million tonnes, or 100 billion cubic metres/year by 2010, equivalent to one-third of projected world supply. LNG will account for over a half of gas production when current projects are completed.
Call for Sustainability The country has also realised the importance of sustaining the endowed gifts and it has spear headed movements to harness energy from other resources, in addition to utilising its energy without any wastage. A senior QP official recently called for a link between research and development and actual plant operations to develop environment-friendly technologies for the gas industry.
QP Operations Manager (gas operations) Edi Mubarak Al Mohannadi has said that continuous technological innovations and operational improvements were essential for the gas industry to develop with minimal damage to the environment.
Delivering the keynote address at the 16th Annual Technical Conference of the Gas Processors' Association (GPA, GCC chapter), Mohannadi said, "In the GCC countries, we are blessed with huge natural gas resources and it is imperative that efforts to utilise this resource are well directed. Efforts are also needed to develop it as an industry which is very efficient and environmentally friendly."
On the gas/NGL processing side, capacities have recently been augmented at the Mesaieed NGL Complex and new complexes have been set up at Ras Laffan. Besides providing "direct export products", it will also provide valuable fuel and feedstock for the downstream industries.
Al Mohannadi spoke on Qatar's push toward the fertiliser sector by laying the foundation stone for Qafco5 plant. Once completed; the project will help Qafco become the world's largest single-site producer of urea and ammonia.
Since the aluminium industry is highly energy-intensive, it has been identified as a major industry for Qatar.
The work on one of the largest aluminum plants in the world - Qatalum - (a QP-Hydro joint venture), is progressing fast at Mesaieed.
Besides creating world-class gas-based industries, Qatar has also achieved tremendous strides in gas-based power generation. In fact, the power industry in Qatar is now entirely gas-based.
Capacity augmentation in gas-based power generation and water desalination facilities is a must to sustain the country's development efforts and cater to the needs of industries and the growing population.
Major investments have been made in upgrading our existing plants and facilities so that we can meet the ever evolving and stringent environmental regulations. Flare mitigation project at the NGL Complex, Mesaieed is a prime example of our commitment to this."
Al Mohannadi said, "While achieving industrial successes, we have not neglected the environmental side. Major investments have been made in 'retrofitting and upgrading' our existing plants and facilities so that we can meet the ever evolving and stringent environmental regulations. Flare mitigation project at the NGL Complex, Mesaieed is a prime example of our commitment to this."
Qatar to get Global Water Sustainability Research Centre Qatar will soon get a state-of-the-art Global Water Sustainability Research Centre, to be launched by US energy giant ConocoPhilips in collaboration with GE Water & Process Technologies, world leader in water and waste water treatment and process systems. The multi-million dollar venture, coming up at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), is expected to open this year.
"Our idea is to make the research centre a global corporate centre of excellence for water-related research and expertise, in the region and in the whole world. GE's leading-edge technologies in chemical equipment and advanced membranes, coupled with ConocoPhilips' industrial applications and test facilities, will help us achieve this goal," said Mike Stice, President, ConocoPhilips.
The Centre will research and develop water solutions primarily for the petroleum and petrochemical sectors, but will also focus on municipal and agricultural solutions, he said.
On an average, Stice said, approximately three barrels of water are produced for every barrel of oil produced worldwide. However, this water may contain residual components that limit its use without extensive treatment. ConocoPhilips and GE will work to develop more efficient and cost-effective treatment technologies at the Centre. The collaboration will leverage GE's global scale and broad water portfolio with ConocoPhilips' understanding of the petroleum and petrochemicals industries to deliver innovative water solutions to customers in the Middle East region and around the globe, he said.
Steven M Fludder, Vice President, sales, GE Water & Process Technologies, said, "Water scarcity affects one in five people today, and by 2025 nearly half of the world's population will live in water stressed areas. Through desalination, water reuse, waste water management, mobile desalination, advanced membranes, separation solutions and process technologies, GE helps its customers meet today's unique water challenges," he said. "Water sustainability is vital for Qatar and the Middle East, and central to QSTP's strategy of developing key technologies demanded by the local community, " said Dr Tidu Maini, executive chairman, QSTP.
Stice also clarified that about 75 percent of the Centre's work will focus on the petroleum and petrochemical sector and about 25 percent on non-industrial sectors, primarily municipal and agriculture. Proposed uses for treated water could include crop irrigation, livestock watering, wildlife habitats, and industrial cooling, potentially leaving more fresh water available for domestic use.
(Figures from: Qatar Energy Data, Statistics and Analysis - Oil, Gas, Electricity)
This article is reproduced with special permission from Qatar Today - Qatar's only news, business and lifestyle magazine
_thumb.jpeg)
