North Field South

North Field South (NFS) Project Profile

Overview

The North Field South (NFS) project is the second phase of the North Field Expansion, a major development undertaken by QatarEnergy to enhance liquefied natural gas (LNG) production from the North Field, the world's largest single non-associated gas field. This project is part of Qatar's strategy to increase its LNG export capacity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Location

The North Field is located off the northeast shore of the Qatar peninsula in the Persian Gulf.

Ownership and Partners

QatarEnergy holds a 75% participating interest in the NFS project. The remaining 25% is shared among international partners:

• TotalEnergies: 9.375%
• Shell: 9.375%
• ConocoPhillips: 6.25% Other partners involved in the broader North Field Expansion include ExxonMobil, Eni, Sinopec, and China National Petroleum.

Project Details

• Production Capacity: The NFS project will have a capacity of 16 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG, contributing to an overall increase in Qatar's LNG production capacity from 77 mtpa to 126 mtpa by 2028.
• Infrastructure:
  • The project includes five production platforms, 50 wells, and gas pipelines connecting to an onshore processing complex at Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC).
  • The onshore facilities will feature two 8 mtpa liquefaction trains, equipped with AP-X liquefaction technology, and a 1.5 mtpa carbon capture and sequestration facility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25%.
  • Other components include an LNG loading berth, LNG rundown lines, and boil-off gas (BOG) recovery systems.

Environmental Considerations

The project emphasizes carbon capture and sequestration to minimize its carbon footprint. The native carbon dioxide generated from the natural gas production will be captured and sequestered, aligning with Qatar’s climate ambitions.

Contractors and Agreements

• Engineering and Construction:
  • McDermott International is responsible for the front-end engineering design (FEED) for offshore and onshore pipelines, cables, and associated facilities. They also secured contracts for jackets, topsides, and pipelines.
  • Technip Energies, in partnership with Consolidated Contractors, is handling the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) of the onshore facilities, including the LNG trains and the carbon capture and sequestration facility.
• Equipment Supply:
  • Baker Hughes is supplying the main refrigerant compressors (MRCs) for the project.
  • Air Products is providing its AP-X® LNG Process technology and equipment.
  • Saipem is involved in the North Field Production Sustainability Pipelines Project, which includes engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of offshore export trunklines and related onshore tie-in works.

Timeline

• Announcement: The North Field Expansion project, including the NFS, was first announced in 2017.
• Production Start: The NFS project is expected to commence production in 2026.
• Completion of Infrastructure: Key infrastructure works, such as the pipelines, are scheduled to be completed by mid-2024.

Technological and Operational Highlights

• Liquefaction Technology: The project will utilize AP-X liquefaction technology, which allows for higher LNG production with flexible operation over a wide range of production capacities.
• Carbon Capture and Sequestration: A significant component of the project is the inclusion of a large carbon capture and sequestration facility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Economic Impact

The North Field Expansion, including the NFS project, is a multi-billion dollar investment that will significantly boost Qatar’s LNG export capacity and contribute to the country’s economic growth. The project aligns with Qatar’s Vision 2030 and its efforts to diversify the economy while leveraging its hydrocarbon resources.

This project underscores Qatar's commitment to expanding its LNG production capabilities while adopting advanced technologies to minimize environmental impact.