Qatar Dismisses Revival of Gas Pipeline Project to Europe via Turkey and Syria
Qatar has ruled out the revival of a gas pipeline project to Europe via Turkey and Syria, dismissing it as mere speculation. Despite Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar’s previous remarks, Qatar remains focused on humanitarian assistance and expanding its LNG capacity, which analysts deem more feasible than developing a pipeline through unstable regions.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry has officially dismissed speculation regarding the revival of a pipeline designed to transport natural gas from Qatar to Europe via Turkey and Syria. Qatari spokesman Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari stated that the rumors surrounding this project are unfounded and merely media conjecture. The discussion about the Qatar-Turkey Natural Gas Pipeline had resurfaced following the recent changes in Syria’s political landscape after the fall of the Ba’ath regime, but despite Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar’s hopeful remarks about its potential revival, Qatar remains focused on humanitarian efforts and stabilization in Syria.
The original proposal for the pipeline, initiated in 2009, aimed to deliver natural gas from Qatar’s South Pars/North Dome field across multiple countries to European markets. However, the project was discarded after former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad opted to align with Russia, which is already a major gas supplier to Europe. In recent statements, al-Ansari emphasized Qatar’s commitment to aiding the Syrian populace while refraining from making definitive statements about the pipeline’s viability.
Energy analysts expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of the pipeline, citing economic, technical, and geopolitical challenges. Sohbet Karbuz noted that Qatar’s expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) output would make a competing pipeline unnecessary, as LNG provides a more effective means of transportation compared to extensive pipeline infrastructure. The expansion plans aim to increase Qatar’s LNG production significantly, raising capacity from 77 million metric tons per year to 142 million metric tons by 2030.
Experts like Ali Arif Aktürk reiterated the position that Qatar’s existing LNG infrastructure makes the development of a pipeline through unstable regions impractical. Furthermore, the changing landscape in Europe—where demand for natural gas is shifting towards renewable energy sources—points toward the increased viability of alternative regional gas supplies, such as those from the eastern Mediterranean. The landscape suggests a more strategic focus on LNG exports rather than pursuing high-risk pipeline projects.
The discussion around a gas pipeline from Qatar through Turkey to Europe has historical and geopolitical significance, particularly influenced by the shifting dynamics in Syria. The initial proposal for the Qatar-Turkey Pipeline was shelved over a decade ago and is now being resurrected in public discourse following recent political changes in Syria. The backdrop includes Qatar’s strong position as a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the resulting implications for European energy supplies amidst the continent’s transition toward greener energy solutions.
In summary, Qatar has publicly rebuffed rumors concerning the revival of the pipeline project intended to transport natural gas through Turkey and Syria. Despite expressions of interest from Turkish officials, geopolitical realities, economic considerations, and Qatar’s robust plans for LNG expansion render the pipeline impractical. Qatar appears committed to supporting the humanitarian needs of Syria while focusing on maximizing the efficiency and flexibility of its LNG exports in response to global market dynamics.
Original Source: www.turkishminute.com
