Despite headlines in recent years about a global transition away from fossil fuels, the world continues building vast lengths of new oil and gas pipelines while fossil fuels still account for more than 80 per cent of the global energy mix.
Between 2024 and 2030, for example, more than 233,440 kilometres of planned and announced trunk (large diameter) oil and gas pipelines are expected to come online globally [1]. Of these, over 122,670 km are planned projects with identified development plans, and another 110,775 km are in the pre-construction stage, looking for approval from their respective jurisdictions [1].
To put these distances into perspective, 233,440 kilometres of pipeline would cross back and forth across Canada more than 30x times. That’s a tremendous, almost unfathomable amount of new trunk pipeline.
The point is that while Canada has seen several projects delayed and cancelled over the years, the rest of the world is still full speed ahead on pipeline construction to ensure a more energy-secure and stronger economic future for their jurisdictions. In other words, obstructing Canadian pipeline development through protests and court challenges hasn't kept a single molecule of oil and gas in the ground.
Below, we explore several of the top major natural gas pipeline projects underway in various parts of the world.
- Top 3 Reasons Why B.C. Needs the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Line
- GRAPHS: Canada’s Economic Performance and the Impact of Natural Resources
- Pipeline Shortages Cost B.C. Lower Mainland Residents $1.5 Billion Annually
#1 – Sierra Madre Pipeline
- USA -> Mexico
The Sierra Madre Pipeline will extend more than 800 km from the U.S. border to the first phase of Saguario Energia LNG on Mexico’s West Coast [8]. The pipeline will provide up to 2.8 billion cubic feet (bcf) per day of natural gas to the LNG facility for liquefaction and export to buyers abroad.
#2 - Xinjiang–Guangdong–Zhejiang SNG Pipeline
- China
The Xinjiang–Guangdong–Zhejiang SNG Pipeline is a proposed gas transmission line that will transport synthetic natural gas (SNG) from western China to eastern economic centres [5]. At nearly 9,000 km long, the project is expected to come online in 2026 and help address energy security concerns in eastern China.
#3 – EastMed Gas Pipeline
- Eastern Mediterranean -> Greece
The EastMed Gas Pipeline is a proposed 2,000 km subsea pipeline that will move natural gas from the eastern Mediterranean to Greece, and then through to other parts of Europe [10]. The project will cost more than $6 billion euros and is currently in the feasibility stage of development [11].
#4 – Power of Siberia 2
- Russia -> China
After the successful completion of the Power of Siberia pipeline, proponents are looking at second pipeline project to transport up to 50 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas from Northern Russia to Western China, though supply terms have yet to be agreed on between Moscow and Beijing [6].
#5 - West African Gas Extension Pipeline
- Nigeria -> Morocco
The West African Gas Pipeline Extension, stretching more than 5,600 km, is a project designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria to Morocco and into Europe [4]. This pipeline aims to enhance energy supply and foster economic growth in West Africa while promoting regional integration and cooperation.
#6 – Far Eastern Gas Pipeline
- Russia -> China
With an annual capacity of 10 bcm per year, the Far Eastern Gas Pipeline will extend the existing Sakhalin-Khabarovsk-Vladivostok pipeline and is expected to finish construction in 2027 [7]. It will transport natural gas from Russia’s far east petroleum fields to China.
#7 - Trans Saharan Gas Pipeline
- Nigeria -> Algeria
The Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, extending approximately 4,128 km, is a massive proposed project that aims to transport natural gas from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria [3]. It is designed to enhance gas supply across Africa and to Europe, promoting regional energy integration and economic cooperation.
#8 – Middle East-India Deepwater Pipeline
- Middle-East -> India
The Middle East-India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP) is a proposed $5 billion undersea natural gas transmission line from the Gulf to India. At approximately 2,000 km in length, the project would offer India options to import natural gas from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, Turkmenistan, and the United Arab Emirates
#9 - West–East IV Pipeline
- China
The West-East IV Pipeline is a major natural gas pipeline in China stretching 1,745 km from Wuqia County in Xinjian to Zhongwei City in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region [2]. This project is expected to enhance energy security and support economic development by facilitating the efficient distribution of natural gas across the country.
#10 – Trans Oriental Gas Project
- Malaysia -> China
The Trans Oriental Gas Project (TOGP) is a lengthy 2,500 km proposed pipeline that will transport natural gas from Malaysia to China [9]. The project is currently in the feasibility stages and is expected to begin operations by 2030.
Canada Needs More Pipelines
As global natural gas demand continues to grow and the race to build natural gas infrastructure accelerates, Canadians risk missing a critical economic opportunity.
While countries like China, Nigeria, and the U.S. move full speed ahead with massive new gas pipeline projects to meet growing energy demand, Canada lags behind, weighed down by lengthy regulatory processes and significant investor uncertainty caused by a challenging business climate.
As one of the world’s most transparent, democratic, and reliable energy producers, Canada is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this growing natural gas demand — reaping the immense economic opportunities that go with at a time when our country needs it most.
Now is the time for Canada to invest in pipeline infrastructure, secure its role as a global LNG leader, and ensure the economic benefits of reliable resource development flow to Canadians, not to other jurisdictions abroad.
SOURCES:
1 - https://www.offshore-technology.com/data-insights/global-top-five-upcoming-oil-and-gas-pipelines/
2 - https://www.pipeline-journal.net/news/first-segment-chinas-west-east-gas-pipeline-4-begins-operations
3 - https://energycapitalpower.com/trans-saharan-gas-pipeline-west-africa-iae/
4 - https://www.pipeline-journal.net/news/nigeria-eyes-morocco-pipeline-supply-gas-europe-trans-sahara-plans-crumble
5 - https://www.mentorimcgroup.com/2023/09/07/latest-oil-and-gas-projects-2023/
6 - https://www.spglobal.com/commodity-insights/en/news-research/latest-news/natural-gas/112824-russias-gazprom-cuts-investment-budget-for-2025-china-remains-focus
7 - https://www.gem.wiki/China%E2%80%93Russia_Far_East_Gas_Pipeline
8 - https://www.ogj.com/pipelines-transportation/lng/article/55136565/mexico-pacific-signs-20-year-lng-deal-with-posco-international
9 - https://www.offshore-technology.com/data-insights/top-five-upcoming-oil-and-gas-pipelines-in-asia/#:~:text=Trans%20Oriental%20Gas%20Project%20The%20announced%20Trans,is%20expected%20to%20start%20operation%20in%202030.
10 - https://pgjonline.com/news/2024/april/uncertainty-clouds-eastmed-gas-pipeline-project-timeline-stakeholders-say
11 - https://www.pipeline-journal.net/news/eastmed-gas-pipeline-project-timeline-uncertain-stakeholders-review-feasibility