Energy intensities and greenhouse gas emissions of global liquefied natural gas supply chain pipeline networks

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chains rely on extensive field-to-processing-to-liquefaction (FF–PP–LNG) pipeline networks, yet greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from this midstream segment remain poorly characterised. The 2025 IEA inventory reports 350 MtCO₂-eq across LNG supply stages but excludes midstream emissions, obscuring hotspots, carbon budgets, and mitigation priorities. Here, we present a global bottom-up assessment of FF–PP–LNG pipelines. Covering >90% of 2022 LNG supply across 20 countries (~470,000 km of pipelines, ~2,000 fields, ~400 processing plants, and 45 liquefaction facilities), we identify 2,639 compressor stations emitting 50.6 MtCO₂-eq, corresponding to a volume-weighted carbon intensity of 0.255 gCO₂-eq MJ⁻¹ (FF–PP: 0.085 g; PP–LNG: 0.17 g). Methane leakage accounts for 96.9 MtCO₂-eq (65.7% of total GHGs). Satellite-based data attribute 2.87 MtCH₄ to FF–PP and 0.70 MtCH₄ to PP–LNG, with route intensities of 0.19–50 gCH₄ MJ⁻¹. Optimised transmission and compressor upgrades could abate 30 MtCO₂-eq y⁻¹. Results enable transparent carbon accounting and targeted investment of global LNG supply chains decarbonisation.