The Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, called for stronger international dialogue to ensure international gas supply security on Tuesday.

In his keynote speech at the sixth Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Doha, Al Thani said the COVID-19 pandemic offered an opportunity to allow a balance between economic growth and climate change by transitioning to low-carbon fuels, including liquefied natural gas (LNG).

'The world has witnessed in the last two decades a big change in the energy map, where natural gas has occupied a big place for multiple reasons, including the fact that it’s the least environmentally damaging fossil fuel,' Al Thani said.

The transition to low-carbon energy sources is not only the responsibility of producers but also of consumers, he said, adding 'it is also closely linked to the final users whose consuming behavior dictates the success of this transition.'

Al Thani said the country’s current LNG production capacity of up to 77 million metric tonnes per year would be ramped up through the North Field expansion project, which would see the Gulf state becoming the world’s largest provider of natural gas by 2030.

Founded in December 2008, the GECF forum consists of Qatar, Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, and observer members including Venezuela, Angola, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Malaysia, Norway, Peru and the United Arab Emirates.

The group represents 71% of the world’s proven natural gas reserves and 58% of LNG exports.

Source: Anadolu Agency