US: new pipes for old
The US pipeline system is in need of maintenance. But inspecting and repairing pipelines is no easy task
Natural gas flows from the US' producing regions to residential, industrial and commercial customers through a network of 2.3m miles of pipelines. But the system is ageing; according to the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), over two-thirds of these pipes are more than 40 years old – manufactured well before construction materials and technology were introduced to help keep corrosion and cracks from causing them to fail. Distribution mains and service lines, which connect customers to the large-diameter, high-pressure transmission lines that crisscross the country, comprise about 2m miles of the grid. Unlike transmission lines, which generally traverse rural areas, distribution pi
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
