The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, affirmed that Doha cannot replace Russian gas as it is an important source for the global market. In an interview with the French newspaper "Le Point" published on Wednesday, Sheikh Tamim said, "We want to help European countries and will supply them with gas in the coming years, but anyone who thinks we can replace Russian gas is mistaken because it is an important source for the global market."
In response to a question about whether he believes gas, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) in particular, will maintain its central role in the international energy market, the Emir of Qatar said: "That’s correct, as gas will play a crucial role during the transition period and in diversifying energy sources in the long term. It is also a source of clean energy; for example, we have invested heavily in technology that contributes to carbon capture and reducing emissions. We must not forget that while we discuss our issues, there are a billion people in the world today who do not have electricity."
He continued, "We took risks and invested in the gas sector in the 1980s and 1990s, understanding that it would become an important source of energy in the future." He added, "We reiterated this a few years ago by increasing our LNG production, despite the global trend at that time leaning towards phasing out these sources and focusing on what are considered 'clean' energy sources such as solar and wind. However, I assure you that gas is also a source of clean energy, and it is very important for the upcoming transition period. The war in Europe complicates matters unprecedentedly, but the problem was already present."
He affirmed that Qatar exports energy primarily to Asian countries as well as to European countries, based on long-term contracts in addition to spot agreements. Regarding Europe's sanctions on the Russian energy sector, Sheikh Tamim stated that we must deal cautiously with sanctions that complicate matters for the whole world.
He noted, "In this specific case, I cannot evaluate the correctness of the European decision or not, but we all see the problems caused by the shortage of energy supplies in Europe today. The more important thing is that we are all suffering from the current situation, both in terms of energy and food. For this reason, the war in Ukraine must come to an end, and we must reach a solution."
