21st GPA GCC Technical Conference Begins in Doha

Doha, May 07 (QNA) - The 21st GPA GCC Technical Conference, which is organised by the GCC Chapter of the Gas Processors Association, kicked off today in Doha under the patronage of HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada. The 21st annual technical conference is held here in Doha under the theme of "Operational Excellence in the Gas Industry". Chief Executive Officer of RasGas Company Hamad Bin Rashid Al-Mohannadi delivered a speech in which he said: "It has been 20 years since the establishment of the GCC Chapter of the Gas Processors Association. During those 2 decades, the global energy industry has witnessed enormous change in the scenery and the composition of its power players. Qatar is proud to have been and continues to be a part of this change." With its huge gas reserves and strategic plans, the State of Qatar has emerged as a leader of natural gas supply, he said. He said this conference comes at a time when Qatar is embarking on an ambitious downstream Petrochemical industry development based on products from processing Natural Gas . Just a few days ago, Qatar petroleum signed a joint venture agreement with a number of international companies to build Ras Laffan 2 refinery that will double Ras Laffans output of naphtha, jet fuel, gasoil, and petroleum gas. Progress is ongoing in two world-scale petrochemical projects: Al-Karaana and Al-Sijeel which will boost Qatars standing in the global petrochemicals industry. Therefore, the theme of this conference: "Operational Excellence in the Gas Industry" is very apt and relevent to Qatar's efforts in the sustainable development of its hydrocarbon resources in an environmentally responsible manner ... meeting the economic needs of today while safeguarding the requirements of future generations. He noted that the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicted in its Energy Outlook report of 2012 that global demand for natural gas will rise by almost 50 percent from a current 130 trillion cubic feet (TCF) to 190 TCF in 2035. "Natural gas being the cleanest, most efficient and most versatile of all fossil fuels, will continue to provide immense potential for realizing a sustainable energy solution. Qatar is already moving forward in this direction. We are proud to be the "Gas to Liquids Capital of the World" with two of the worlds largest plants namely, Pearl and Oryx. Their combined production averages more than 170,000 barrels of high quality GTL products per day, which meets international requirements for superior performing lubricants, and eco-friendly transportation fuels. This conference is an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with each other and to increase awareness about the innovation-driven gas processing industry and the value it can provide, said Al Mohannadi. "Since its first meeting in Bahrain two decades ago, this prominent forum has been instrumental in the exchange of ideas and experiences amongst the spectrum of industries represented in its membership. The diversity of topics on natural gas processing, that are scheduled to be covered during this conference, will provide a platform for greater exchange of information and knowledge. This will play a pivotal role in implementing the GPA-GCC Chapter's strategy of "taking the lead in the introduction, development and promotion of innovative ideas ... and to be up to speed with the developments in the gas processing industry by sharing and transferring new technologies to the region." Chief Executive Office of GCC Chapter of the Gas Processors Association Fahd Al Sobei said this venue is an excellent opportunity to exchange the information and experience in this field and having the benefit form the best practice. Over the two days of conference, there are 19 technical papers that will be presented by the chapter's member companies and other and I am sure this would enrich and add value to all of us in the gas industry. "As a part of the GPA-GCC Chapter activities, gas sweetening workshop has been conducted successfully for the 7th time. 20 participants from our member companies attended this workshop in Doha for the period from 5 to 6 May." He added that GPA 22nd Annual Technical Conference will be held in Bahrain in May 2014 under the theme "Operational Excellence in the Gas Industry". (END)