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Centrica and QPI agree Memorandum of Understanding covering joint energy-related investment opportunities

Doha, 05 December 2011 - His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, Qatar's Minister of Energy and Industry and Chairman of the Board of Qatar Petroleum International (QPI), signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) detailing cooperation in energy-related investments between QPI and Centrica plc, as represented by its CEO Sam Laidlaw.

Investment targets will include new or existing projects in upstream oil and gas including, where appropriate, liquefied natural gas (LNG), gas storage as well as combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) generation assets and downstream opportunities in accordance with each company's strategic priorities.

QPI is the international investment arm of Qatar Petroleum , while Centrica plc is the parent company of British Gas. Their non-exclusive strategic alliance will deepen the strategic relationship between Centrica and Qatar which was established earlier this year with the signing of a three-year contract for the supply of 2.4 million tonnes of LNG per year. The contract, valued at £2bn, provides enough gas to meet approximately 10 per cent of UK annual residential gas demand during the delivery period. So far eight cargoes of LNG have been delivered under the contract, which was welcomed by the British Prime Minister as a boost to UK energy security. The alliance also demonstrates QPI's objective to play a greater role internationally with partners, such as Centrica.

The strategic alliance will also build on the cooperation between the companies through sharing best practices in respect of the management of assets and commercial expertise.

The MOU was signed in Doha by Sam Laidlaw, CEO, Centrica and His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Qatar Minister of Energy and Industry in his capacity as the Chairman of the Board of QPI.

Commenting this relationship with Centrica, HE Dr. Al-Sada said "I am pleased to note that QPI and Centrica have agreed to explore various project opportunities together worldwide. This strategic alliance will reinforce QPI's objective to transform itself into a more active international player in the upstream, downstream, gas and power sectors as part of the greater objective of the State of Qatar to be more active in world energy markets. It is also consistent with the vision of His Highness The Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, which is further evidenced by our hosting of the World Petroleum Congress in Qatar. I am confident that both QPI and Centrica can focus on value added activities and translate challenges into practical solutions and opportunities in today's world."

Welcoming the partnership, Mr Laidlaw said: "Centrica is playing a leading role in securing Britain's future energy security. Our strategic relationship with Qatar is central to this goal, linking the world's leading LNG exporter with one of the world's most important gas markets. The partnership will enable us to jointly develop significant energy investments that will further boost UK long term security of gas supply. We will also explore joint opportunities to deploy capital and expertise in other markets to deliver growth and value for the group."

Nasser Al-Jaidah, the CEO of QPI said "We too are pleased with this strategic alliance. This is in line with the vision of HE The Minister of Energy to diversify QPI's portfolios into various sectors. We are very delighted with this cooperation and we look forward to exploring some prospective opportunities together."

Mark Hanafin, the Managing Director of Centrica Energy, added "Our ongoing relationship with Qatar is extremely important, not only to Centrica but also to the UK. We have always been impressed by the scale of ambition shown by Qatar and I look forward to working closely together with QPI as we look to grow our businesses in the energy sector."

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Enquiries:
Centrica Investor Relations
+44 1753 494900
Centrica Media Relations
+44 800 107 7014
QPI Media Relations
Naji Elias Abi-Aad
+974-4520-124

The MOU will be subject to renewal on an annual basis.

Centrica is a top 30 FTSE 100 integrated energy company operating predominately in the UK and North America. Upstream it sources, generates, processes, trades and stores energy. Downstream it supplies gas and electricity to millions of homes and businesses and offers a range of home energy solutions and low carbon products and services.

QPI is a subsidiary of Qatar Petroleum which explores and invests in investment opportunities outside the State of Qatar in the upstream, midstream, gas, power, downstream and petrochemical sectors.

© Press Release 2011