Amid Growing Concerns, Kinder Morgan All Smiles on U.S. LNG

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Written by Daniel Graeber for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

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Summary

Kinder Morgan said its fourth quarter performance in the natural gas sector was extraordinary. Amid geopolitical spats, the fate of U.S.-sourced LNG in Europe is uncertain, however.

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U.S. Guarantees European Energy Security

Energy infrastructure company Kinder Morgan (Houston, Texas) trumpeted the success that U.S.-sourced liquefied natural gas (LNG) has in ensuring European energy security, though recent geopolitical developments could impact that status.

"Few would have predicted that the war in Ukraine would soon be entering its fourth year," Executive Chairman Richard Kinder said Wednesday as U.S. markets were closing. "Throughout the conflict, the United States has been a vital guarantor of European energy security, as America continues to lead the world in exports of LNG."

Supported by the vast natural gas deposits found in the shale basins in the Lower 48 states, the United States emerged as the world leader of exports of LNG in 2022, helping to buffer a European economy that moved away from legacy supplies from Russia because of the war.

On Wednesday, IIR Energy in its NATGAS Today report put the total amount of feedgas supporting LNG deliveries at 18.92 billion cubic feet, up from the month-ago average of 17.57 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d). That's well above the federal estimate for 16 Bcf/d on average for 2026, and comes even as the U.S. pipeline sector is plagued by the extreme cold gripping much of the nation.

Kim Dang, the chief executive officer at Kinder Morgan, said her company expects total global demand for natural gas to increase by 17% through 2030, led by exports of LNG.

"We have long-term contracts to move 8 Bcf/d of natural gas feedstocks to LNG facilities, which is projected to grow to 12 Bcf/d by the end of 2028," she said. "We are also actively exploring more than 10 Bcf/d of opportunities to serve the natural gas power generation sector."

Kinder Morgan said its natural gas volumes were up 9% year-on-year during the fourth quarter, supported primarily by LNG feedgas through the Tennessee Gas Pipeline. The company said it also started construction on the $1.8 billion, 216-mile Trident Interstate Pipeline, which will deliver 2 Bcf/d from Katy, Texas, to Port Arthur. The first phase should be operational next year. Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Pipelines Project Database can learn more by viewing the related project reports.

Kinder Morgan reported net income during the fourth quarter of $1.02 billion, compared with $694 million during the same period in 2024.

Fate of U.S. LNG in Europe Unclear

Kinder Morgan's optimism, meanwhile, might be tested by geopolitical developments. A political party in Germany was considering seeking an end to U.S. LNG arrangements given U.S. President Donald Trump's bellicose rhetoric toward European allies. For more on that, see January 20, 2026, article - Questions Emerge over Future of U.S. Trade Deal with Europe, Including LNG.

On Wednesday, Trump backed off military and economic threats to annex Greenland, a Danish territory and NATO ally. However, the president maintained his intent on taking control of the territory. For more information, see January 22, 2026, article - Trump Backs off European Tariff Threat over Greenland.

By the Numbers

• $1.02 billion 4Q25 net income for Kinder Morgan
• $1.8 billion tapped for a new pipeline in Texas
• 12 Bcf/d in LNG feedstock expected

Key Takeaways

• Kinder Morgan upbeat on U.S. LNG
• Sparring over Greenland could be cause for concern.
• U.S. feedgas levels above expected average.

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About IIR News Intelligence
IIR News Intelligence is a trusted source of news for the industrial process and energy markets, powered by Industrial Info Resources' Global Market Intelligence (GMI).

About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 Trillion (USD).