In their Q1 2026 earning's call, Kinder Morgan (KMI) management reinforced the fact that as U.S. gas demand increases, the infrastructure buildout is no longer just an LNG story. Management pointed to rising LNG feedgas demand and a sharp step-up in gas-fired power needs, citing estimates for 153 GW of new gas-fired generation over the next several years, much of it tied to data centers. KMI now sees U.S. gas demand reaching about 150 Bcf/d by 2031, while INGAA estimates North America will need about 70 Bcf/d of new gas pipeline capacity by 2050.
That demand is already turning into projects across the gas value chain. GCX expansion, expected in service in mid-2026, would add 570 MMcf/d of Permian takeaway to Agua Dulce. Creekside Lateral, targeted for 4Q 2026, is an 11-mile Central Texas pipe serving power generation, industrial and data center demand. LAHA Header, expected in 1Q 2027, is a Louisiana intrastate header and compression project near KinderHawk, effectively tying more Haynesville-area supply into KinderHawk. Trident’s first phase, also expected in 1Q 2027, would move gas from Katy to the LNG and industrial corridor near Port Arthur, with the second phase slated for 4Q 2028. The Gulf Coast Storage Expansion, expected in the first half of 2027, would add 10 Bcf of NGPL storage capacity, while the Amarillo Expansion, targeted for 3Q 2028, would add up to 550 MMcf/d of NGPL capacity in the Texas Panhandle, which management described in the Q&A as driven by power demand. Management also said storage is becoming a bigger differentiator as power demand grows and large loads need fast injection and withdrawal capability.
On refined products, Western Gateway (pictured below) is more about supply reliability than demand growth. Management said California and Phoenix remain exposed to a shrinking West Coast refining base and import dependence, and the proposed system would bring more domestic Midwest/Gulf Coast supply into Arizona and California. The project recently cleared its second open season, is still awaiting definitive agreements and approvals, with FID expected in the next few months and is targeting mid-2029 in-service.
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