US pipeline operator Kinder Morgan (KMI) has taken final investment decisions (FIDs) on two natural gas pipeline joint ventures, with USD4.7bn as its share of the investment, in response to rising gas demand from power plants, data centres and LNG export terminals (Kinder Morgan, 21/10/2026).
Its Southern Natural Gas (SNG) joint venture will build the Southeast Connector Project after securing enough long-term take-or-pay transportation contracts with shippers. The SEC pipeline is designed to carry up to 2.6 bcf/d (about 27 bcm/year) through around 470 miles (about 760 km) of new pipeline, with new and expanded compression, to markets in the US Southeast. The project could be scaled up if more customers commit. KMI's share is estimated at USD3.1bn, and the pipeline is due to enter service in phases from 2030.
Its Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America (NGPL) joint venture is going ahead with the Permian Link project, at a total cost of about USD4.2bn (KMI share of about USD1.6bn). The pipeline will carry around 2.8 bcf/d (about 29 bcm/year) from the Permian Basin in Texas to NGPL's Midcontinent system, through about 434 miles (about 700 km) of new pipeline. Backed by long-term take-or-pay contracts, it will supply gas for new power generation serving an A-rated hyperscale data centre operator. It is due to enter service in the third quarter of 2030.
In addition, SNG and TGP have reached an FID to proceed with the USD160m Bear Creek Storage Expansion Project (KMI-share od approximately USD120m). The project includes a facility expansion to support the leasing of approximately 10 Bcf (over 280 mcm) of storage capacity to TGP, for which TGP has secured long-term binding agreements. Subject to permits and approvals, the project is expected to be commissioned in April 2029.