Qatar's North Field expansion nears first LNG, an 85% capacity jump
QatarEnergy targets H2 2026 for the first North Field East mega-train, the start of a path from 77 to 142 MTPA by 2030
Summary
Qatar's QatarEnergy is closing on first LNG from its North Field expansion, targeting H2 2026, "Q3, Q4 maximum" per its CEO, when the first North Field East mega-train cools down. The build adds 32 MTPA at NFE (four 8-MTPA trains) plus 16 MTPA at North Field South, lifting national capacity from ~77 toward 142 MTPA by 2030, an ~85% jump. QatarEnergy holds 75% of NFE; the rest splits among ExxonMobil, Shell, TotalEnergies, ConocoPhillips, Eni and Sinopec and CNPC, locking Western majors and Chinese state firms into the same fields. Baker Hughes won a Q1 2026 award for North Field West turbines, signalling the next leg. The new volumes will weigh on JKM and TTF as they land alongside US capacity.
By the numbers
77 → 142 MTPA, Qatar's LNG capacity path to 2030 (+85%).- 32 MTPA, North Field East (four 8-MTPA mega-trains).
- 16 MTPA, North Field South (two trains).
- 75%, QatarEnergy's stake in NFE; rest across seven majors.
- H2 2026, target for first expansion LNG.
Why it matters
Qatar and the US are the two suppliers big enough to reset global gas prices this decade. First North Field LNG marks the start of a multi-year supply wave that should loosen the world market, ease European refilling and erode the war premia, provided the cargoes can transit a region full of contested chokepoints.
What to watch
- Confirmation of first-train startup and the ramp through 2027.
- Whether new Qatari volumes head to Europe or stay long-term Asia-contracted.
- Chinese partners' offtake as a marker of Beijing's long-gas position.