Qatar to Award Contract for Barzan Gas Project in 2011

Qatar will award a $1 billion contract to build onshore part of the Barzan gas project in early 2011, according to the country's energy minister late Tuesday.

The Barzan gas project, a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Exxon Mobil, is expected to produce 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day.

"The tender is open now and hopefully in one month or less or in early 2011 they will award the contract," Qatar's energy minister Abdullah Al Attiyah told reporters.

The Barzan gas development has a projected value of approximately $1.7 billion.