ADNOC Gas May Start Ruwais LNG Operations Earlier Than Planned
Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: WAM
Abu Dhabi: ADNOC Gas is moving quickly to grow its role in the global liquefied natural gas market. The company says fast progress on its projects may allow the Ruwais LNG plant to start earlier than planned.
The Ruwais LNG project is one of the UAE’s largest energy projects. It can produce 9.6 million tonnes of LNG each year. ADNOC Gas said construction is moving faster than expected. This creates a chance to begin operations before the current target of late 2028.
When Ruwais LNG begins work, the UAE’s total LNG production will rise to about 15 million tonnes per year. This increase will help meet rising global demand for cleaner energy.
ADNOC Gas told Emirates News Agency that it plans to buy ADNOC’s share in the Ruwais LNG project after completion. The company expects the deal to cost about $5 billion.
The company has already signed long-term deals to sell over 8 million tonnes of LNG per year from Ruwais. Long-term buyers will receive about 80 percent of production. The company will sell the rest on the spot market. ADNOC Gas already uses this model at the Das Island LNG facility.
This sales plan helps the company earn stable income during the early years. It also reduces risks from changes in global energy prices.
The Das Island LNG plant has operated for almost 50 years. It produces about 6 million tonnes of LNG each year. ADNOC Gas completed a major upgrade at the site last year. The work included expanding loading areas to handle larger ships.
Next, the company will repair and upgrade two main processing units. These upgrades will help keep the plant safe and reliable. ADNOC Gas said it will continue investing in Das Island. However, it has no plans to expand capacity at this time.
The company is closely watching global energy demand. The growth of artificial intelligence and data centres is expected to increase energy use. These trends will guide future decisions on local supply and exports.
ADNOC Gas also prepared for higher global LNG supply expected later this year. The company secured long-term contracts, mainly with Asian customers. These deals support steady sales and protect returns during market changes.
Over the past three years, ADNOC Gas signed several long-term LNG supply agreements. These contracts last up to 14 years. Each deal covers between 0.4 and 1.2 million tonnes per year. The agreements strengthen the company’s position in fast-growing Asian markets.
The company also confirmed plans to move forward with the second phase of the Rich Gas Development project. The first phase began after approval in June 2025. Work remains on schedule. This phase aims to add 1.5 billion cubic feet of processing capacity per day by 2027.
The project includes upgrades at facilities in Asab, Buhasa, Habshan, and Das Island. These upgrades will improve efficiency. The second phase will add a new processing unit at Ruwais. The third phase will add a new gas processing train at Habshan.
ADNOC Gas said its growth plan follows clear steps. The company first improves existing facilities. It then removes production limits and expands only when needed. This approach supports long-term growth and reliable energy supply for global markets.
