Future Pipeline Mobility & Reliabilty

Mobility and Reliability Overview

Forecasts predict that pipelines will only become more important to the reliable delivery of gas and liquid commodities for commercial, industrial and residential uses.

Future Pipeline Volume

Pipeline forecasts from the United States Department of Transportation’s Freight Analysis Framework (FAF) show an expected increase of 49% in tonnage by 2050. The greatest increase is anticipated in basic chemicals (217%), which includes natural gas. Natural gas comprises more than half of the pipelines in the OKI region. The huge growth in natural gas volume is due to widespread use of gas in the region, its abundant domestic production, the move of power plants from coal to gas, and relatively low environmental emissions.  

The second greatest volume growth is forecasted to be in coal — -not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.) — (49%) which includes liquified natural gas and liquified propane. Coal, in its raw state, is expected to decline due to emissions regulations. However, when processed, the LNG, propane and other commodities produced are more environmentally friendly and increasing in use.

Coal n.e.c. is expected to remain the top pipeline commodity transported in the region through 2050. Coal n.e.c. products are considered transitional fuels for home use, industrial applications, and transit buses as they transition to more environmentally friendly options such as full-electric.

The data show a decrease is expected in gasoline (-60%) and fuel oils (-36%). The trend is expected due to the world’s move from fossil fuels to electric and hydrogen-powered passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as more efficient residential heating.