Barzan Gas Project will supply an additional 1.4 billion cubic feet of 'sales gas' in the Qatari market and power the local economy, said Bart Cahir, ExxonMobil Qatar president and general manager.
The startup of Barzan Gas Project, a QP -ExxonMobil joint venture, was slated for next year, Cahir said at the "Business and Investment in Qatar Forum" in Berlin.
"In Qatar, one can see how energy has provided the footing for development and diversified growth," he said.
Cahir said Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports provide a "reliable, steady source of income" to support its growing population and the associated demand for public services, transportation requirements and infrastructure development.
"Qatar's energy resources are also physically supporting the country's way of life," he said. "Through Al Khaleej Gas, a joint project between Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil, natural gas from the North Field is supplied to the domestic market where it quite literally powers the local economy. And with the startup of our joint Barzan Gas Project next year, we will be supplying an additional 1.4bn cubic feet of sales gas into the domestic market."
In 2008, HH the Emir presented his people with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and, in the process, laid a solid foundation for sustainable and diversified growth.
Cahir emphasized how ExxonMobil contributes to Qatar's National Vision at every level of its activities.
"In the hiring and training of our workforce, we are developing people to be decision-makers and effective risk managers. These foundational skills make successful leaders – no matter what industry. With Qatari nationals totaling 47% of our direct hire workforce in Qatar, we are looking to these employees to become key contributors, not only to the industry, but also their community," he said.
Additionally, ExxonMobil shares its global technical expertise with Qatar's workforce through training and development opportunities.
In 2012, ExxonMobil offered training to more than 350 people in Doha from multiple organizations including Qatar Petroleum , RasGas, Qatargas and its various partners in academia and the community.
"In addition to developing people, we look to advance research and technology through a number of ongoing programs at ExxonMobil Research Qatar," he said. ExxonMobil scientists and researchers are conducting environmentally focused research to help ensure that future generations are not compromised by actions taken today.
Cahir said "technology isn't just the lifeblood of the energy industry; it's the engine of growth across so many industries.
"Encouraging inquisitive minds to envision future technologies, while giving them a footing in sound, scientific research capabilities is the way we're going to unlock the innovations and potential of tomorrow."
He also highlighted the company's community partnerships. "Together, with a host of organizations in Qatar, we are advancing the reach of education, we are supporting small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurship, we are encouraging people to get active and healthy, and we are promoting and preserving Qatar's rich and unique cultural heritage," Cahir said.
"Displaying a sound approach to prosperity, Qatar is channeling its resources into the advancement of education, research and culture. Few places provide such a remarkable example of how energy – and our industry – can be the foundation to diversification and growth," Cahir added.
Gulf Times
18 April
