Study Projects $1 Trillion Needed for U.S. Midstream Infrastructure by 2052

A University of Houston-led study, released with the INGAA Foundation, projects more than $1 trillion in new U.S. midstream infrastructure investment will be needed by 2052 to support growing natural gas demand, LNG exports and rising electricity use.

(P&GJ) — More than $1 trillion in new midstream infrastructure investment will be needed across the United States by 2052 to support growing energy demand, according to a study led by the University of Houston and released in collaboration with the INGAA Foundation, Wood and ESMIA Consultants.

The 2025 North American Midstream Infrastructure Report projects continued growth in natural gas demand driven by expanding LNG exports, increasing electricity consumption from data centers and artificial intelligence, and broader energy market needs. The report evaluates infrastructure requirements under both current-policy and lower-carbon scenarios through 2052.

According to the University of Houston, natural gas remains a cornerstone of North America's energy system under both scenarios, requiring continued investment in pipelines and related infrastructure.

"The University of Houston was pleased to lead the consortium that conducted this analysis," said Paul Doucette, hydrogen program officer at UH Energy and principal investigator for the report. "The consortium worked closely with a team of industry experts, as well as university faculty and staff, to evaluate the market forces shaping North America's energy future."

The report estimates the industry will require:

• More than $1 trillion in new midstream capital investment through 2052, averaging $40 billion to $48 billion annually
• At least 37,000 miles of new natural gas transmission pipelines, including approximately 33,800 miles in the United States
• About 103,000 miles of additional natural gas gathering pipelines
• Between 414,000 and 828,000 jobs annually, totaling as many as 24 million cumulative jobs over the next 25 years

According to the University of Houston, the report concludes that expanding pipeline and midstream infrastructure will be necessary to maintain reliable and affordable energy supplies while meeting projected demand growth.

"Meeting energy demand is a critical challenge right now, and this report quantifies the necessary midstream infrastructure and corresponding development dollars needed to meet that demand," said Hebe Shaw, executive director of the INGAA Foundation. "Meeting the energy needs of North America will require sustained investment and development, which must begin now to ensure a safe, reliable and affordable energy system."

Researchers modeled a reference case based on existing federal, state and provincial policies as of April 1, 2025, as well as a lower-carbon scenario that incorporates greenhouse gas reduction targets across the United States and Canada.

The report found that despite differing policy assumptions, natural gas remains a foundational fuel source, with expanding electricity demand and LNG exports continuing to drive infrastructure needs.

"The final report draws on decades of experience and equips industry leaders and policymakers with the clarity and confidence needed to plan, permit and build infrastructure required to power a growing economy through 2052," Doucette said.

According to the University of Houston, the findings also underscore the need for continued workforce development and innovation to support the projected expansion of North America's energy infrastructure.