Overview

Oil and gas infrastructure at all levels of the value chain continue to expand in all regions.

GEM data show oil and gas fields in pre-production and production in every region of the world. To transport these fuels to market, oil, gas, and natural gas liquids (NGL) pipeline networks continue expanding worldwide, with nearly 250,000 kilometers currently in development, enough to circle the world more than six times.

LNG import and export terminals are proliferating as the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market expands. Five countries — the United States, Russia, Canada, Mexico, and Qatar — account for roughly three-quarters of planned export capacity. Meanwhile, import terminals are in development throughout Asia, Europe, and South America as the industry generates demand through infrastructure lock-in and long-term contracts. 

In 2025 alone, the gas power project portfolio increased by nearly a third, driven in part by increased electricity demand from AI. Projects scheduled to come online through 2030 are concentrated in the latter half of the decade, with 2026 poised to set a record for new gas power projects. While the United States leads the globe in gas power in development, Asia dominates regionally, representing over 50% of all new gas power projects in development.

Two critical factors could constrain this buildout. First, turbine supply bottlenecks will delay and may limit plants reaching operation, as two-thirds of projects currently in development have not announced a turbine manufacturer. Second, power proposals cannot exist in a vacuum: They depend on LNG and pipeline projects that have been facing delays. High LNG prices have also made price-sensitive economies, particularly in Asia, reluctant to invest in the fuel, though investment is occurring. Delaying gas lock-in could create openings for renewables to establish a stronger foothold.