Qatalum, the state-of-the-art aluminium smelter constructed in line with Qatars long-term economic diversification strategy, was present at the 20th World Petroleum Congress as a representative of Qatars newest energy-related industry: aluminium.
Aluminium
The smelter with a production capacity of 585,000 metric tonnes per year will enable Qatar to contribute a significant portion towards GCC aluminium production. Qatalum achieved full production earlier this year, was also a Gold Sponsor of the event.
Energy Solutions for All
The theme for this year's congress was 'Energy Solutions for All – Promoting Cooperation, Innovation and Investment', and focus was on the debate on solutions aimed at providing global access for all to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy in both the near and long term future.
Gas-to-solids
In recent years the Qatari government has devoted significant resources to the development of natural gas, particularly gas-to-liquids projects. This energy is now being channelled in a new direction – gas-to-solids, in the form of aluminium. And this is being accomplished through Qatalum, Qatar's first aluminium smelter.
Qatar well positioned
Speaking of Qatar's newest energy-related industry, Qatalum CEO Tom Petter Johansen said, "Aluminium has a notably positive economic effect locally, regionally and internationally, as it is used in a wide variety of sectors, such as construction, transport and marine industries. GCC countries are rich in the raw materials required to produce aluminium, which also lowers the production cost in the region significantly."
"This, together with the implementation of long-term strategies that aim to develop the region's aluminium industry, have ensured that the region is well positioned to be one of the world's main aluminium producers. And through Qatalum, Qatar is positioned to be at the forefront of this development."
