If U.S. natural gas infrastructure is not expanded to meet growing demand, prices would escalate and more electricity generation is likely from renewables, coal and nuclear sources over the next three decades, according to federal researchers.

In the U.S. Energy Information (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook 2022 (AEO2022) issued in March, the reference case – the baseline scenario – forecast strong renewables growth to 2050. However, researchers said natural gas and petroleum were expected to supply most domestic demand over the next three decades.

However, the baseline scenario is forecasting more natural gas infrastructure to be built in the coming years. If the infrastructure is not built out, however, there would be few options for generators except for using renewables, coal...