70,000 km natural gas pipelines globally undergo construction for USD194B

(MENAFN) A report by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) reveals that natural gas pipelines with a total length of 70,000 kilometers are currently under construction globally, amounting to an estimated cost of approximately USD194 billion. The majority of this extensive pipeline development is concentrated in Asia, with 83 percent of the ongoing projects based in the region, accounting for USD117.2 billion in expenses.

China and India are at the forefront of this pipeline expansion in Asia, driven by their efforts to transition from coal to natural gas and establish more extensive connections. Pakistan is also actively constructing pipelines to enhance its natural gas import capacity. The total length of pipelines under construction increased by 18 percent by the end of 2023 compared to the previous year.

In terms of regional distribution, Asia leads with 57,600 kilometers of pipelines under construction, followed by Europe with 5,600 kilometers, the Americas with 4,700 kilometers, and Africa with 1,800 kilometers.

The top 10 countries with the most pipelines under construction include China, India, Iran, Russia, Pakistan, the US, Nigeria, Italy, Argentina, and Canada. China, in particular, is spearheading pipeline projects with 30,300 kilometers under construction in 150 different projects, including the Xinjiang, Chaohu-Jiangbei, as well as Hefei Lubei-Chizhou Maya natural gas pipelines.

Russia is also contributing significantly to this global trend, with 2,900 kilometers of pipelines under construction at a cost of USD8.2 billion. The expansion is led by state-owned Gazprom, aiming to improve domestic transmission connections and enhance pipeline and onshore LNG terminal export capacity.

MENAFN08012024000045015839ID1107695688