Global Natural Gas Boom: US$194bn Investment Fuels 70,000 km Pipeline Expansion

• 10 February 2024
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Amidst a surging demand for cleaner energy sources, a colossal global investment of US$194 billion is propelling the construction of natural gas pipelines, spanning an impressive 70,000 kilometres. The collective length of pipelines under construction globally has witnessed an impressive 18% surge by the close of 2023 compared to the previous year.

This monumental undertaking, as revealed by the “Global Gas Pipeline Expansion” report from Global Energy Monitor (GEM), a prominent San Francisco-based think tank, signifies a paradigm shift towards sustainable energy solutions, according to AA.com.tr news on 8 January 2024.

Asia, the epicentre of this natural gas revolution, witnesses 83% of the ongoing pipeline construction, with a staggering investment of US$117.2 billion.

The Asian landscape dominates this infrastructural metamorphosis, boasting a total of 57,600 kilometres of pipelines under construction. Europe follows suit with 5,600 kilometres, while the Americas and Africa contribute 4,700 kilometres and 1,800 kilometres, respectively.

Notably, China and India spearhead this transformative movement, steering away from coal reliance and forging extensive connections to embrace the potential of natural gas. Pakistan, echoing this regional momentum, continues to fortify its natural gas import capacity through robust pipeline development initiatives.

The top 10 countries leading this transformative charge include China, India, Iran, Russia, Pakistan, the United States, Nigeria, Italy, Argentina, and Canada. China, at the forefront with 30,300 kilometres of pipelines across 150 projects, exemplifies a commitment to cleaner energy through initiatives like the Xinjiang pipeline, the Chaohu-Jiangbei, and Hefei Lubei-Chizhou Maya natural gas pipelines.

Russia, investing US$8.2 billion in 2,900 kilometres of pipelines, aims to enhance domestic transmission and augment export capacity through projects orchestrated by state-owned Gazprom. Simultaneously, Iran and Pakistan contribute to this global surge with ambitious pipeline projects, accentuating the collaborative efforts reshaping the energy landscape.

While pipeline construction advances globally, the report underscores the colossal potential, with proposed and project-phase pipelines spanning an impressive 159,000 kilometres. This transformative era not only aligns with the global pursuit of sustainable energy but also positions natural gas as a cornerstone in the future of the energy landscape.

• Energy and Environment