Final answer:
Gas storage and pipelines are essential for transporting natural gas from wellheads to end users and benefit from the increased supply. LNG and LPG allow for the economical transportation and storage of fuel where pipelines are not available. Regionally, the coverage by pipelines varies, influencing the reliance on alternative forms of gas storage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gas storage and pipelines play a critical role in the energy infrastructure by facilitating the recovery of known reserves of natural gas that were not previously economically viable to tap. Companies like Kinder Morgan, with an extensive control over 80,000-plus miles of pipeline, enhance the efficiency of transporting gas from wellheads to end users. This vast network allows for smoother movement of natural gas and an increased benefit from the supply.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) are crucial in the storage and transportation of these fuels. LNG, mainly methane, becomes far more compact at about 1/600th of its original volume when liquefied to -162°C, enabling economic storage and shipment, especially where pipeline infrastructure is not present. Similarly, LPG is used as a substitute for natural gas in areas without pipelines.
Regionally, the scope of coverage for gas storage and pipelines can vary greatly, with some areas having extensive pipeline networks facilitating the widespread use of natural gas, while others rely more on LNG or LPG due to the absence of such infrastructure. The development and expansion of pipeline networks have been essential in enabling the increased use of natural gas since around 1970, providing a more direct and efficient means of bridging the distance from production to consumption.