Natural gas markets have undergone momentous changes, worldwide. Substantial and comprehensive publications that capture the full picture of the US natural gas marketplace, still largest in the world, have been scarce since the mid-1990s. And as long-time observers of the natural gas industry in all of its forms would quickly point out: interesting times always lie ahead.

This book updates and expands on the dynamics, performance and forward path of expanding natural gas use in the US and worldwide, including international trade. It brings together major research themes and findings with recent updates and analysis of new trends and developments. It also explores many considerations for natural gas market development, such as the importance of infrastructure, transparent pricing, and institutional capacity. As such, this book is unique in providing background on the full natural gas value chain as well as information and analysis that can foster scenario-building and decision-making. Of particular value here are the lessons learned and demonstrated for those countries that aspire to build effect natural gas markets and to expand natural gas development and use.