ADNOC Gas Accelerates LNG Expansion, Targeting 15 Million Tonnes Annual Capacity
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ADNOC Gas is aggressively strengthening its position in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, accelerating key strategic programs focused on operational readiness and long-term asset sustainability. The company’s ambitious expansion plans underscore the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) commitment to meeting growing global energy demands.
The company announced significant progress at the Ruwais LNG project, which is advancing at an accelerated pace amidst shifting global energy supply and demand dynamics. According to a company release, construction is ahead of schedule, potentially allowing for commercial operations to begin before the planned second half of 2028.
With a planned production capacity of 9.6 million tonnes per annum, the Ruwais LNG project is poised to significantly boost the UAE’s total LNG production capacity to approximately 15 million tonnes per annum once operational. ADNOC Gas will acquire ADNOC’s stake in the Ruwais project upon completion, representing an investment of around $5 billion.
Securing Long-Term LNG Supply Agreements
ADNOC Gas has already secured long-term sales and purchase agreements for over 8 million tonnes per annum of the project’s future output, demonstrating strong market confidence. The company’s marketing strategy mirrors that of its established Das Island LNG facility, allocating 80% of production to long-term contracts and marketing the remaining 20% on the spot market.
“This approach supports the generation of stable value during the early phases of operation,” one analyst noted, “while allowing for flexibility in response to evolving market conditions.” The Das Island LNG facility, operational for nearly five decades with a capacity of around 6 million tonnes per annum, recently completed a comprehensive upgrade, including expanded loading jetties to accommodate larger vessels. A major refurbishment of trains one and two is planned to maintain operational reliability.
Strategic Investment in Existing and New Infrastructure
While capacity expansion at Das Island is not currently under consideration due to evolving global energy markets, ADNOC Gas remains committed to ongoing investment in the facility to enhance its readiness. The company is closely monitoring global demand, particularly the anticipated growth linked to the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, to inform future priorities regarding domestic demand versus export expansion.
To proactively address anticipated increases in global LNG supply during the latter half of the year, ADNOC Gas has secured a series of long-term contracts, particularly with customers in Asian markets. Over the past three years, the company has signed agreements to supply annual LNG volumes ranging from 0.4 to 1.2 million tonnes, with contract durations of up to 14 years. These agreements reinforce ADNOC Gas’s position as a leading and reliable supplier of lower-emissions LNG to rapidly growing energy markets in Asia.
Expanding Gas Processing Capabilities with the Rich Gas Development Project
ADNOC Gas also confirmed its preparation to make a final investment decision on the second phase of the Rich Gas Development project. The first phase, approved in June 2025, is on schedule to add 1.5 billion cubic feet per day of processing capacity by 2027. This phase involves operational improvements at key facilities including Asab, Buhasa, Habshan, and Das Island.
The second phase will focus on constructing a new fractionation unit, Train 5, at the Ruwais facility to produce liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), condensate, and naphtha. The third phase will add a new gas processing train at the Habshan facility.
“Our growth strategy follows a clear, phased approach,” a senior official stated. “We are focused on maximizing existing production, resolving bottlenecks to enhance efficiency, and strategically expanding through new units to ensure optimal asset utilization.” This methodical approach positions ADNOC Gas for sustained growth and leadership in the evolving global LNG landscape.
