Research confirms need for natural gas infrastructure expansion
March 24, 2014 | By
Barbara Vergetis Lundin
The Pacific Northwest remains in a period of steady growth in demand for natural gas, according to a detailed 10-year overview of expected natural gas demand, supply availability, infrastructure development and prices in the Northwest conducted by the Northwest Gas Association (NWGA). The report projects a continuing trend of regional growth in natural gas demand at an annual growth rate of 1.5 percent -- up from 1.2 percent last year. "A number of indicators point toward the potential for significant expansion in the coming years, particularly for industrial uses, as a fuel for generating electricity and for export," said Dan Kirschner, NWGA executive director. The 2014 Gas Outlook continues to indicate a potential need for new or expanded natural gas delivery infrastructure by the end of the decade. While the current delivery system operates efficiently and reliably, "industrial and generation demand above the expected case will amplify and accelerate the need for incremental capacity," according to the report. "The Natural Gas Outlook serves as an important point of reference for energy stakeholders in the Pacific Northwest," said Ed Brewer, NWGA board president and vice president and general manager of Williams Northwest Pipeline. "These stakeholders are navigating decisions concerning abundant North American natural gas supply options, existing and potential new markets and the infrastructure needed to bring the supply and demand together." For more: © 2014 FierceMarkets, a division of Questex Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. |