Doha, December 16 (QNA) - HE Minister of State for Energy Affairs Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi has said the country's National Day is a moment that reflects "the highest meanings of pride, dignity and honor," describing it as an occasion when Qataris draw inspiration from their history while looking ahead to the future.

In remarks to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Al Kaabi, who is also the president and CEO of QatarEnergy, said the day is "not just a date on the calendar," but a unifying national moment centered on loyalty, unity and appreciation for the country's leadership. He paid tribute to the founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, and highlighted what he called the significant achievements made under Qatar's current leadership, particularly in the energy sector, which he described as a cornerstone of the country's development and global standing.

Al Kaabi said National Day embodies "values of loyalty and belonging," adding that it is a moment to renew commitment to the nation's leadership and honor the sacrifices of earlier generations. He said the day strengthens a sense of responsibility among young people and "motivates future generations to continue the country's progress."

The minister said the celebrations reflect a broad national consensus around principles laid down by the country's founder and reinforced by successive Qatari leaders. He pointed to the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, saying HH the Amir continues to embed these values in Qatar's long-term approach to safeguarding the needs of future generations.

Reviewing the past year's developments, HE Al Kaabi said Qatar's energy sector had maintained strong growth despite global economic and geopolitical challenges, ensuring uninterrupted production and supply of energy worldwide.

He highlighted major expansion projects by QatarEnergy — including liquefied natural gas (LNG), oil and gas development, petrochemicals, fertilizers and solar power — both within Qatar and internationally.

QatarEnergy this year announced the North Field West expansion, which will raise Qatar's LNG production capacity to 142 million tons per year once all phases are completed — an 85% increase from current levels. Production is expected to reach 160 million tons per year with the addition of output from the Golden Pass LNG project in the United States, which is scheduled to begin operations soon.

The company has also begun receiving new LNG carriers built in Chinese and South Korean shipyards as part of what it calls its largest ever fleet expansion. Long-term contracts have been signed to operate 128 new vessels.

Work is continuing on the Ras Laffan Petrochemicals Complex, which will boost domestic petrochemicals production to 14 million tons annually by the end of 2026. Progress is also being made on the Golden Triangle Polymers plant in Texas, which will produce around 2 million tons of high-density polyethylene per year.

In the fertilizer sector, construction is under way on a major project in Mesaieed that will more than double Qatar's urea production capacity from 6 million tons to 12.4 million tons annually — a development Al Kaabi said will support global food security.

Qatar has also inaugurated the Ras Laffan and Mesaieed solar power plants, bringing total solar generation capacity to 1,675 megawatts. In sustainability initiatives, the country is expanding its carbon capture and storage (CCS) facilities in Ras Laffan, targeting a storage capacity of 11 million tons per year by 2030, and has planted 300,000 trees as part of its "One Million Trees" initiative.

Qatar is preparing to host the 21st International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026), the world's largest LNG event, in February — an event expected to reinforce Qatar's leadership in the global gas industry.

HE Al Kaabi said Qatar's achievements reflect the country's strategic vision under its wise leadership and its ability to turn challenges into opportunities. He said the energy sector's progress strengthens national prosperity and protects the interests of future generations. (QNA)