Asia Leads Global Gas and LNG Infrastructure Growth
Natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) have become the fastest-growing segments of the fossil fuel industry as demand for oil and coal declines due to electrification, efficiency gains, and climate policies.
According to Global Energy Monitor data, Asia dominates global gas-fired power generation capacity, with around 950,000 megawatts (MW) in operation and an additional 140,000 MW under construction. The US has the largest operating gas-fired capacity at approximately 562,000 MW, while China has the most capacity under construction.
The Americas have the densest network of gas pipelines, with nearly 490,000 kilometers currently operating. However, Asia has the most pipeline capacity under construction, with around 56,000 km being built, led by China's nearly 22,000 km buildout and India's nearly 15,000 km.
Asia is also the top LNG-importing region, accounting for over 66% of existing import capacity and nearly 70% of import capacity under construction. Japan has the most existing import infrastructure, with 242 million tons of annual import capacity, while China has a significant lead in import capacity under construction at 97 million tons.
The sheer volume of gas-fired generation, pipeline networks, and LNG facilities already operating or under construction suggests that natural gas will remain a defining feature of the global energy landscape for years to come.