US Natural Gas Pipeline Buildout Lags Behind Booming Demand
The US natural gas pipeline buildout pace is failing to keep up with the rapid growth in demand, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, power generation, reshoring manufacturers, and global LNG exports. According to INGAA estimates, even in a low-carbon scenario, there will be a need for about 25,000 miles of new natural gas pipelines by 2050. However, regulatory hurdles, litigation, and supply chain delays are threatening to constrain critical markets, leading to price volatility.
INGAA CEO Amy Andryszak discussed the key drivers and obstacles shaping the future of North American energy transport in a recent episode of NGI's Hub & Flow. The discussion outlined what it would take to build the infrastructure required to fuel the continent, including legislative changes, regulatory reform, navigating steel tariffs, and intense competition for natural gas turbines.
The midstream infrastructure in the United States is facing significant challenges in stabilizing key markets amid rapid demand growth. Andryszak emphasized that addressing these hurdles is crucial to ensuring a stable energy supply and mitigating price volatility.