gas A ramco is pursuing aggressive gas expansion plans to displace oil from its power production mix with a mixture of gas and renewables, as well as provide feedstock for industrial and petrochemicals development, with local demand for gas forecast to reach 125 Bcm annually by the end of the decade, according to Rystad Energy. Its strategy is to raise gas production by more than 60% by 2030, compared to 2021 levels, and grow an integrated global gas business. Work is progressing at the giant Jafurah unconventional gas field, the largest liquid- rich shale gas play in the Middle East, containing an estimated 229 trillion scf of natural gas, along with an estimated 75bn STB of condensate. Initial production is expected to commence in 2025. Aramco recently awarded contracts worth around US$12.4bn for the construction of gas compression facilities and associated pipelines, expansion of the Jafurah gas plant and construction of the new Riyas NGL facilities in Jubail. Aramco has also awarded contracts worth around US$8.8bn for the expansion of the Master Gas System, which will raise its total capacity by an additional 3.15 bscfd by 2028. Other recent contracts include EPC contracts worth US$7.7bn to SAMSUNG Engineering Company, GS Engineering & Image Credit: Adobe Stock 13 QatarEnergy – Bul Hanine Redevelopment, Bul Hanine Budget: US$11bn Facility: Development Drilling & Production Stage: EPC ITB, completion Q4 2027 Major oil and gas projects, Qatar Source: DMS Middle East countries are shifting their focus to gas in line with their energy transition strategies, to meet burgeoning local and global demand for the lower- carbon transition fuel. ISSUE 5 2024 | oilreviewmiddleeast.com Ramping up the gas Gas can play a pivotal role in the energy transition.