Stratistics MRC에 따르면 세계의 건식 천연가스 시장은 2025년 1조 1,074억 달러를 차지하고 예측 기간 중 CAGR은 7.1%로 확대되어 2032년에는 1조 7,899억 달러에 이를 전망입니다.
가공 건식 천연 가스는 주로 메탄으로 이루어져 중질 탄화수소와 황화수소, 수증기 등의 불순물은 매우 적습니다. 난방, 발전, 공업 프로세스에 널리 이용되고 있어 효율적이고 보다 깨끗한 화석 연료입니다.
세계 인구 증가와 급속한 도시화
확대하는 도시 인프라와 산업화에는 안정적인 연료 공급이 필요하며, 천연 가스는 발전과 난방에 적합한 선택지가 되고 있습니다. 또한 채굴 및 가공 기술의 발전은 환경에 미치는 영향을 최소화하면서 공급 효율을 높이고 있습니다.
인프라 한계와 높은 자본 지출
광범위한 파이프라인 네트워크와 저장 시설을 수립하기 위해서는 엄청난 자금 투자가 필요하며, 확장 프로젝트가 지연되는 경우가 많습니다. 또한 국경을 넘는 가스 운송에 영향을 미치는 지정 학적 요인은 공급망의 혼란을 일으킬 수 있습니다.
에너지 전환에서 "교량 연료"로서 천연 가스
석탄과 석유에 비해 천연가스는 탄소 배출량이 적고 환경부하 저감을 위한 잠정적인 솔루션으로 매력적입니다. 가스는 안정적인 베이스 로드 전력을 공급함으로써 재생에너지를 보완합니다. 또한 가스와 재생에너지를 통합한 하이브리드 에너지 시스템이 보급되고 있어 기후 변화 목표를 지원하면서 에너지의 신뢰성을 최적화하고 있습니다.
신재생에너지 도입의 급속한 가속
태양광 발전, 풍력 발전, 기타 재생에너지는 비용 저하, 축전 솔루션의 개선, 정책적 틀의 지원으로 전 세계적으로 보급이 진행되고 있습니다. 재생 가능 에너지 통합이 진행되고 있는 지역에서는 천연가스 수요가 감소할 수 있습니다.
팬데믹은 세계 천연가스 시장에 큰 영향을 미치고 공급망을 혼란시키고 인프라 프로젝트를 지연 시켰습니다. 허수아비, 경제 회복 노력이 기세를 늘리면 에너지 안보에 대한 투자가 증가하여 수요가 회복되었습니다.
예측 기간 동안 재래식 천연 가스 부문이 최대가 될 전망
재래식 천연 가스 부문은 채굴 및 분배 인프라가 확립되어 있기 때문에 예측 기간 동안 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 상업, 산업 부문에 걸친 광범위한 수요의 혜택을 받고 있습니다. 재래식 가스는 특히 천연 매장량이 풍부한 지역에서는 많은 국가의 에너지 포트폴리오의 기간으로 유지되어, 시장의 주도권 계속을 확실히 하고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 파이프라인 분야의 CAGR이 가장 높아질 전망
예측기간 동안 파이프라인 부문은 가스배급효율을 향상시키고, 원격지와 도시를 불문하고 소비량 증가에 대응하기 위한 파이프라인 인프라의 확대로 인해 가장 높은 성장률을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다.
예측기간 중 아시아태평양은 견조한 산업화, 중국과 인도 등 신흥경제 국가에 의한 에너지 수요 증가, 도시 개척의 진전 등을 배경으로 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다.
예측기간 중 북미지역이 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예상되지만, 이것은 기술적 진보, 셰일가스 개발, 지원정책에 따른 것입니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Dry Natural Gas Market is accounted for $1,107.4 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $1,789.9 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. Processed dry natural gas consists primarily of methane, with minimal traces of heavier hydrocarbons and impurities like hydrogen sulfide and water vapor. It is derived after extracting natural gas liquids (NGLs) such as ethane, propane, and butane, ensuring suitability for direct use and pipeline transport. Widely utilized for heating, electricity generation, and industrial processes, it serves as an efficient and cleaner-burning fossil fuel. Its lower emissions profile makes it a key contributor to energy sustainability across various sectors.
Increasing global population and rapid urbanization
Expanding urban infrastructure and industrialization require consistent fuel supplies, making natural gas a preferred choice for electricity generation and heating. Governments worldwide are investing in energy security, ensuring stable gas availability for growing urban centers. Additionally, technological advancements in extraction and processing enhance supply efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. As residential and commercial energy consumption rises, dry natural gas plays a vital role in meeting sustainability goals.
Infrastructure limitations and high capital expenditure
Establishing extensive pipeline networks and storage facilities requires significant financial investment, often delaying expansion projects. Developing economies face hurdles in integrating advanced gas infrastructure due to cost constraints and regulatory approvals. Additionally, geopolitical factors affecting cross-border gas transportation create supply chain disruptions. The reliance on costly LNG terminals for export and import further adds to operational expenses, impacting market accessibility for certain regions.
Natural gas as a "bridge fuel" in energy transition
Compared to coal and oil, natural gas generates lower carbon emissions, making it an attractive interim solution for reducing environmental impact. Investments in carbon capture and efficient gas-fired power plants strengthen its role in energy transition strategies. As nations implement decarbonization policies, natural gas complements renewable energy by providing stable baseload power. Additionally, hybrid energy systems integrating gas and renewables are gaining traction, optimizing energy reliability while supporting climate goals.
Rapid acceleration of renewable energy adoption
Solar, wind, and other renewable sources are gaining traction worldwide due to falling costs, improved storage solutions, and supportive policy frameworks. As countries accelerate their transition to zero-carbon energy, the demand for natural gas could diminish, particularly in regions with strong renewable integration. Additionally, advancements in battery storage and green hydrogen production challenge the long-term role of natural gas, potentially leading to reduced investments and market share.
The pandemic significantly affected global natural gas markets, disrupting supply chains and delaying infrastructure projects. Reduced industrial activity and lower energy demand led to temporary declines in gas consumption. However, as economic recovery efforts gained momentum, demand rebounded with increased investments in energy security. The crisis highlighted the importance of stable fuel supply, reinforcing long-term commitments to natural gas infrastructure.
The conventional natural gas segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The conventional natural gas segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period due to its well-established extraction and distribution infrastructure. This segment benefits from mature technologies, reliable supply chains, and widespread demand across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Conventional gas remains the backbone of many national energy portfolios, especially in regions with abundant natural reserves, ensuring its continued market leadership.
The pipeline segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the pipeline segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate owing to expanding pipeline infrastructure to improve gas distribution efficiency and meet increasing consumption in remote and urban areas alike. Investments in pipeline modernization, safety enhancements, and cross-border gas connectivity projects contribute to this rapid expansion, facilitating seamless delivery and enhancing market accessibility.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share fueled by robust industrialization, rising energy demand from emerging economies like China and India, and increased urban development. Governments across the region are prioritizing natural gas to replace more polluting energy sources, supporting environmental goals while ensuring energy security.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR attributed to technological advancements, shale gas development, and supportive policies. The region's strong focus on expanding natural gas export capacity, along with investments in pipeline and liquefaction infrastructure, underpins this rapid growth. Additionally, increased adoption of natural gas in power generation and transportation sectors propels market expansion in North America.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Dry Natural Gas Market include ExxonMobil Corporation, Chevron Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell, BP P.L.C., TotalEnergies SE, ConocoPhillips, Equinor ASA, Gazprom, Saudi Aramco, PetroChina Company Limited, Sinopec Group, Eni S.p.A., Occidental Petroleum Corporation, CNOOC Limited, Hess Corporation, Woodside Energy Group Ltd., and Chesapeake Energy Corporation.
In May 2025, ExxonMobil announced a long-term agreement to supply approximately 250,000 tonnes of low-carbon ammonia annually to Marubeni Corporation. This deal aims to support energy transition efforts and strengthen U.S.-Japan industrial cooperation.
In May 2025, PetroChina announced the establishment of a hydrogen energy-focused venture capital fund with an initial investment of 5 billion yuan ($690 million). The fund aims to support early-stage investments and the development of key materials, core equipment, and proprietary technologies in the hydrogen sector.