Qatar shortlists partners for North Field expansion

DOHA, Sept 09 (Reuters): Qatar has short-listed international oil firms for a stake in its expanded North Field mega project, Qatar Petroleum's chief executive told Reuters, but may still choose to go it alone unless majors offer it significant value.

The expansion of tiny but gas-rich Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, already the world's largest, is one of the energy sector's most lucrative projects, and the world's top oil and gas majors have been racing to secure a stake.

Invitations to bid were sent out last month and the result is due to be announced in the first quarter of 2020, Saad al-Kaabi, who is also minister of state for energy, said - if Qatar decides to go with partners at all.

"We like the partnership model for many benefits. But because we don't need the partners, what's going out is basically a set of criteria that we have, to demonstrate to us what added value we get for Qatar if you come in," said Kaabi.