H.E. Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi: We are building LNG for the future that has the lowest carbon footprint you can have

– We are one of the largest holders of exploration blocks around the world

– We need to support global economic growth, and give almost one billion deprived people a chance for a better life
DOHA, Qatar • 2 February 2026 – His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, emphasized that natural gas will remain central to the global energy mix, with demand expected to grow alongside global economic expansion, artificial intelligence, and the rapid rise of data centers.
Al-Kaabi made the remarks during the high-level plenary panel discussion titled “Global LNG Dynamics: An Industry Perspective,” held as part of the 21st International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026). The session brought together leading energy executives, including Mr. Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies; Mr. Darren Woods, Executive Chair and CEO of ExxonMobil; Mr. Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell; and Mr. Ryan Lance, CEO of ConocoPhillips.
During the discussion, Al-Kaabi stressed that QatarEnergy and its international partners are building LNG projects designed for the future, with some of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry. He noted that QatarEnergy is actively engaged in exploration blocks worldwide, reinforcing its global presence in both oil and gas development.
Reaffirming his longstanding position, Al-Kaabi stated that oil will continue to be needed for a very long time. He observed that those who previously promoted what he described as “oil cancel culture” have begun to recognize that oil will not disappear in the near future as once predicted.
Addressing the broader energy landscape, he underscored that energy remains essential for global prosperity. Nearly one billion people worldwide still lack access to basic electricity, he noted, adding that it would be unjust to deny developing nations the opportunity for growth. He highlighted Asia as a major driver of LNG demand but also pointed to the Middle East, where population growth is increasing the need for reliable power generation. In many cases, gas provides that stability while complementing renewable energy sources.
On environmental issues, Al-Kaabi cautioned against politically driven or emotional policymaking, arguing that practical and realistic approaches are required. He emphasized that while sustainability solutions may be available, many stakeholders are unwilling to bear the associated costs. QatarEnergy, he said, is investing in advanced technologies to reduce emissions, including carbon capture and CO₂ sequestration, to ensure affordable energy is delivered in an environmentally responsible manner.
He called on policymakers to work closely with industry experts to develop realistic energy strategies that balance sustainability, security of supply, affordability, and reliability.
Concluding his remarks, Al-Kaabi thanked the panelists for their strong partnerships with QatarEnergy, acknowledging their collective contribution to Qatar’s global leadership in LNG.
The plenary session examined evolving global LNG demand and supply dynamics, addressing critical challenges and opportunities in the industry, with a focus on energy security, sustainability, affordability, and the long-term role of natural gas.