Doha, March 28 (QNA) - Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are reinforcing the central role of energy security as a cornerstone of global economic stability, prompting a shift away from traditional supply models toward more flexible and resilient systems, experts told Qatar News Agency (QNA).

Energy security, once defined primarily by resource availability and production capacity, is increasingly shaped by the ability of energy systems to adapt to disruptions, maintain continuity of supply, and respond swiftly to crises, they said.

The experts emphasized that the key challenge facing energy-producing countries is no longer limited to production, but extends to ensuring the safe, uninterrupted delivery of energy to global markets. In this context, countries capable of transitioning from a conventional "production and export" model to a resilient, multi-channel system are expected to emerge as leaders in the evolving energy landscape.

Eng. Nasser Jaham Al Kuwari, an oil and gas expert, said Qatar is well positioned at the center of this transformation, not only as a major supplier but also as a reliable partner in stabilizing global energy markets.

He noted that recent crises have underscored the importance of reliability alongside scale, with markets increasingly favoring suppliers capable of maintaining flows under adverse conditions. Qatar, he said, combines operational efficiency with a long-term strategic approach, reinforcing its position as a dependable energy partner.

Qatar is currently a leading player in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, with production of around 77 million tonnes per year, expected to rise to 142 million tonnes in the coming years -- significantly expanding its share of global LNG trade.

Beyond production capacity, Al Kuwari highlighted the country's strong track record in supply reliability and long-term contractual commitments, which have made it a preferred partner for major economies across Asia and Europe.

However, he noted that despite abundant hydrocarbon resources, the region faces mounting challenges related to supply security. A significant share of exports depends on critical maritime chokepoints, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, leaving supply chains exposed to geopolitical risks. At the same time, rising domestic energy demand driven by urbanization and industrial growth is adding pressure to national energy systems.

Al Kuwari stressed that strengthening infrastructure is critical to enhancing supply resilience, including expanding storage capacity, modernizing power grids, and deploying smart technologies to improve demand management. He also underscored the importance of securing supply chains through diversification of export routes and upgrading port and logistics capabilities.

Flexible contractual structures, combining long-term agreements with access to spot markets, are also essential to balancing stability and adaptability in supply management, he added.

At the regional level, he highlighted the importance of deepening cooperation among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly through electricity interconnection projects and emergency power-sharing mechanisms, to build a more integrated and resilient energy system.

For his part, Prof. Omar Khlaif Gharaibeh, Professor of Finance at Al al-Bayt University, said energy security risks now extend beyond production capacity to encompass the entire value chain, including transportation, export infrastructure, and crisis response mechanisms.

He emphasized the need to develop alternative export routes, particularly through expanded pipeline networks that bypass key chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, enabling energy flows to be redirected toward ports on the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea. Such diversification would reduce reliance on single transit corridors and enhance overall system resilience.

Gharaibeh also advocated for greater operational decentralization, including the geographic distribution of processing and storage facilities to minimize systemic vulnerabilities. He highlighted the potential role of modular and mobile energy infrastructure in maintaining continuity during disruptions and reducing recovery times.

He added that protecting energy infrastructure now requires an integrated security architecture combining air defense, cybersecurity, and advanced analytics, including artificial intelligence, to anticipate threats and ensure rapid, coordinated responses across sectors.

To safeguard global supply continuity, Gharaibeh pointed to the growing importance of external storage strategies, including maintaining reserves near key consumer markets in Asia and Europe, as well as joint storage agreements with international partners to distribute risks more effectively.

He further stressed that flexible contractual arrangements and long-term strategic partnerships are becoming critical tools for mitigating shocks, enabling the rapid rerouting of shipments and ensuring continuity of supply even amid disruptions to traditional trade routes.

The experts concluded that the future of energy security will depend on countries' ability to build integrated, flexible systems capable of adapting to an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment. In this context, Qatar is well positioned not only to sustain its role as a leading energy supplier, but also to evolve into a global energy hub combining traditional production strengths with advanced technologies and sustainable solutions. (QNA)