Study Signals $1 Trillion Pipeline Buildout Needed Across U.S., Canada by 2052
A new study outlines massive pipeline expansion needs across North America, signaling a trillion-dollar buildout to meet future energy demand and infrastructure gaps.
(P&GJ) — A new analysis highlights the scale of pipeline infrastructure required across North America, estimating roughly $1 trillion in investment will be needed through 2052 to support growing energy demand, as reported by Forbes.
The study, conducted by the INGAA Foundation in collaboration with the University of Houston and industry partners, evaluates long-term pipeline requirements across multiple fuel types, including natural gas, crude oil, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and natural gas liquids.
RELATED: U.S. Midstream Report: Natural Gas Pipeline Growth Drives 2025 Optimism
According to the findings, North America will require tens of thousands of miles of additional pipeline capacity to meet future demand. This includes at least 37,000 miles of new natural gas transmission pipelines, along with approximately 103,000 miles of gathering lines to connect upstream production with processing and long-haul systems.
The report models two scenarios — one based on current policy frameworks and another assuming more aggressive emissions reduction efforts — both of which point to significant infrastructure expansion needs. Annual capital requirements are estimated at roughly $40 billion to $48 billion over the next 25 years.
Beyond infrastructure, the study also projects substantial economic impact, with millions of jobs tied to pipeline construction and related activity over the coming decades.
As reported by Forbes, the findings reinforce ongoing concerns that without sufficient investment and permitting reform, North America could face challenges in moving energy supplies from production regions to key demand centers.
LNG Demand Driving Pipeline Expansion
In 2025, midstream activity showed renewed momentum, with natural gas infrastructure leading development as operators worked to relieve bottlenecks and support growing LNG export demand.
While large-scale crude oil pipeline projects remained limited, several major natural gas pipelines were under construction or nearing completion, particularly in the Permian and Haynesville basins. These regions continued to anchor U.S. pipeline expansion due to their proximity to Gulf Coast LNG markets.
Among the most notable projects, the 3.5 billion cubic feet per day Black Fin pipeline and the 1.8 billion cubic feet per day Louisiana Energy Gateway were expected to enter service in the fourth quarter, adding significant takeaway capacity tied to export demand.
Additional growth was projected from the Permian Basin, where the Matterhorn Express pipeline was set to deliver 2.5 billion cubic feet per day of new capacity to the Gulf Coast, helping ease constraints driven by rising associated gas production.
In the Haynesville, new gathering and transmission systems were also advancing to connect supply with LNG facilities in Louisiana. Momentum Midstream’s NG3 project, including roughly 275 miles of pipeline, was designed to transport up to 2.2 billion cubic feet per day to coastal demand centers.
Despite the positive outlook at the time, permitting challenges and legal risks remained key hurdles, particularly in regions with strong environmental opposition. Even then, LNG export growth was viewed as the primary driver behind continued pipeline development.