The natural gas pipeline infrastructure in the United States is experiencing the largest wave of expansion since the early 1960s, according to Industrial Information Resources Inc. (IIR). Since 1997, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has granted permits for 55 major onshore and offshore natural gas pipeline projects totaling more than 7,800 miles of pipeline, representing an industry investment of more than $10 billion. These projects are in various stages of planning, engineering and construction.
By far the largest project under construction now is the $1.2 billion Gulf Stream project entailing more than 700 miles of 36-in. natural gas transmission pipeline being constructed from the Mobile, Ala. area to Palm Beach County in Florida, which will mainly supply the growing electricity generation market in South Florida. Soon to follow in the next three to four months will be 15 new and major expansion projects worth $2.2 billion, such as Florida Gas Transmission's $438 million Phase V pipeline expansion.