North Field East (NFE) Project Qatar – World’s Largest LNG Expansion
Discover Qatar’s North Field East (NFE) Project — the world’s biggest LNG expansion increasing capacity to 110 MMtpa by 2026. Learn about its EPC partners, sustainability initiatives, and impact on global energy.The North Field East (NFE) Project in Qatar marks a historic milestone in the global energy industry. It represents not just Qatar’s ambition but also a crucial step in ensuring sustainable energy supply for the world. Located in Ras Laffan Industrial City, this mega-project—managed by QatarEnergy and Qatargas—will boost the nation’s LNG production capacity from 77 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 110 Mtpa by 2026, and eventually 126 Mtpa by 2027.
This massive undertaking, valued at over $28 billion, is part of Qatar’s strategic North Field Expansion, which includes both North Field East (NFE) and North Field South (NFS) phases. Together, they make Qatar the world’s largest LNG producer and exporter, solidifying its position as a global energy powerhouse.
What Is the North Field East (NFE) Project?
The North Field East project is an expansion of the North Field, the world’s biggest non-associated natural gas field. Discovered in 1971 and operational since 1991, the field extends over 6,000 km² and contains over 900 trillion standard cubic feet (tcf) of recoverable reserves—around 10% of global gas reserves.
The NFE project involves constructing four state-of-the-art LNG trains, each capable of producing 8 million tonnes per year (MMtpa). Together, these trains will add 32 MMtpa of additional LNG output, making it the largest single-phase LNG expansion ever undertaken.
Key Project Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Client | QatarEnergy LNG |
| Location | Ras Laffan, Qatar |
| Capacity | 8 MMtpa × 4 trains (32 MMtpa total) |
| Completion | Planned for 2027 |
| EPC Contractor | CTJV (Chiyoda & Technip Energies JV) |
| Project Type | Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) |
| Feed Gas | 4.6 billion scf/day |
| Field Area | 2.7 million m² (≈ 58 Tokyo Domes) |
North Field Expansion: A National and Global Energy Mission
The North Field Expansion Project (NFE + NFS) is Qatar’s response to the growing global demand for reliable, cleaner, and affordable energy. Combined, these two phases will increase total LNG production to 126 MMtpa by 2027—enough to supply roughly one-third of the world’s LNG needs.
Two Phases of Expansion
- North Field East (NFE) – First phase, expanding LNG capacity to 110 MMtpa by 2026.
- North Field South (NFS) – Second phase, adding another 16 MMtpa to reach 126 MMtpa by 2027.
This $50 billion development program supports Qatar National Vision 2030, focusing on sustainable growth, economic diversification, and environmental leadership.
Engineering Excellence: EPC and Construction Details
The NFE onshore facilities contract was awarded in 2021 to CTJV, a partnership between Chiyoda Corporation (Japan) and Technip Energies (France). These companies are constructing four 8 MMtpa LNG trains, plus a large Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) facility, gas treatment, helium extraction, and associated infrastructure.
Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) for Efficiency
To manage such scale, Chiyoda uses its proprietary Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) methodology—a system that links engineering, procurement, and construction phases for smoother delivery, reduced costs, and higher productivity.
This allows more than 45,000 workers from 50 countries to operate efficiently as “One Team” under CTJV.
Sustainability: Low-Carbon LNG and Environmental Commitments
QatarEnergy has made the North Field East project a benchmark for low-carbon LNG production.
Key Environmental Initiatives
- CO₂ Capture and Sequestration (CCS):
Integrated with QatarEnergy’s 2.1 MMtpa CCS facility at Ras Laffan—the largest in the LNG industry. - Solar Power Integration:
Electricity supplied from Qatar’s 800 MW Al-Kharsaah solar plant, helping offset CO₂ emissions and meeting 15–30% of the nation’s energy needs via renewables. - Dry Low NOx Technology:
Reduces NOx emissions by 40–60%, making the NFE one of the cleanest LNG plants worldwide. - Jetty Boil-off Gas Recovery System:
Recovers gas from LNG berths and reuses it as fuel, cutting 1 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions annually.
Result
The NFE project is expected to emit 25% less greenhouse gases than a comparable LNG plant—demonstrating Qatar’s commitment to net-zero ambitions and sustainable energy transition.
Project Partners and Stakeholders
QatarEnergy holds a 75% interest in each joint venture (JV), with global energy giants holding the remaining shares:
| Partner | Stake |
|---|---|
| TotalEnergies | 6.25% |
| ExxonMobil | 6.25% |
| Shell | 6.25% |
| Eni | 3.125% |
| ConocoPhillips | 3.125% |
This strategic collaboration strengthens global supply security and enhances Qatar’s influence across Asian and European LNG markets.
Offshore Facilities and Contractors
The offshore portion includes the development of eight wellhead platforms, 80 new wells, and over 500 km of subsea pipelines.
Key engineering and construction partners include:
- McDermott International – EPC contractor for topsides, pipelines, and subsea cables.
- Rosetti Marino – EPCI contract for living quarters and helipads.
- Gulf Drilling International – providing six offshore jack-up drilling rigs.
- Northern Offshore Drilling Operations – two additional rigs.
- LOC Group – marine warranty surveyor services.
The living-quarters platform, completed in 2021, accommodates 90 personnel with a five-level topside, helipad, and bridge connections to existing facilities.
Onshore Infrastructure and Processing
The NFE’s onshore infrastructure is centered in Ras Laffan Industrial City and includes:
- Four 8 MMtpa LNG trains
- Gas treatment & helium refining plants
- LPG and ethane recovery facilities
- Sulfur handling and storage systems
- Three 187,000 m³ LNG storage tanks
- Loading and transport infrastructure
Feed gas (~ 4.6 billion scf per day) will be transported via a 250 km pipeline to these facilities.
Economic and Global Significance
The North Field East Project is not just an industrial achievement—it’s an economic engine for Qatar and the world.
For Qatar
- Generates thousands of jobs for Qataris and expatriates.
- Strengthens Ras Laffan’s position as the heart of global LNG production.
- Supports the country’s Vision 2030 for sustainable growth.
For the World
- Enhances energy security by providing reliable LNG supply.
- Provides low-carbon LNG to Europe and Asia for decarbonization efforts.
- Establishes new benchmarks in carbon capture and clean energy engineering.
Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi recently affirmed that “Gas is the backbone of economic growth for the next century.”
With NFE and NFS projects, QatarEnergy is ensuring that this growth is cleaner, reliable, and future-focused.
Timeline and Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1971 | Discovery of North Field Gas Field |
| 1991 | North Field brought on stream |
| 2017 | Moratorium lifted – Expansion announced |
| 2020 | First development well drilled |
| 2021 | CTJV awarded onshore EPC contract |
| 2022 | McDermott EPCI offshore contract awarded |
| 2025 | First gas production expected |
| 2026 | First LNG train commissioned |
| 2027 | Project completion – full 32 MMtpa capacity |
Innovation and Technology Highlights
- AP-X® Liquefaction Technology by Air Products – ensures higher energy efficiency.
- Baker Hughes Turbines & Compressors – 24 centrifugal compressors for four trains.
- BASF OASE® and Flexsorb™ Systems – for gas treatment and impurity removal.
- Waste Heat Recovery Systems – improve plant energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.
- Water Recycling and Tree Irrigation Network – maximizes reuse of industrial water.
These advancements make the NFE project one of the cleanest and most technologically advanced LNG plants ever built.
Impact on the Global LNG Market
By 2027, Qatar’s LNG output will reach 126 MMtpa, representing over 30% of global LNG supply.
This massive increase positions QatarEnergy as the largest single LNG exporter globally, surpassing other producers in Asia and the Americas.
Its clean LNG strategy also supports Europe’s energy transition and Asia’s growing demand for reliable, low-emission fuel.
North Field South (NFS) and Future Expansion
The second phase—North Field South (NFS)—will add two more 8 MMtpa LNG trains, raising production to 126 MMtpa.
Engineering work is underway, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
Future projects, like North Field West, are also in the planning stages, ensuring continued growth well into the next decade.
Conclusion
The North Field East Project is a symbol of Qatar’s leadership in sustainable energy. It blends innovation, environmental responsibility, and engineering excellence to deliver cleaner LNG to the world.
From advanced carbon capture to solar integration and low-emission technologies, the NFE sets a new global standard for how energy projects should serve both economic and environmental goals.
As QatarEnergy CEO Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi said, “Gas is the fuel for growth – reliable, affordable, and here to stay.”
With the North Field East and South expansions, Qatar is not just expanding capacity—it is powering the future of global energy.
FAQs
1. What is the capacity of North Field East LNG project?
It includes four 8 MMtpa trains (32 MMtpa total), increasing Qatar’s overall LNG capacity to 110 MMtpa.
2. Who are the main EPC contractors?
The onshore EPC is handled by CTJV (Chiyoda & Technip Energies), while offshore facilities are built by McDermott, Rosetti Marino, and others.
3. When will NFE start producing gas?
First gas is expected in 2025, with the first LNG train online by mid-2026.
4. How is NFE reducing carbon emissions?
Through CO₂ capture, solar energy integration, low-NOx turbines, and gas recycling systems that cut GHG emissions by 25%.
5. What makes the North Field unique?
It’s the largest non-associated gas field in the world, holding about 10% of global reserves and shared with Iran’s South Pars field.
