Midstream assets, specifically pipelines and processing centers, play a crucial role in America's energy future. The industry is growing rapidly, and may play a crucial role in the future of your portfolio. There are many companies to keep an eye on, and it's an industry worth watching. Here's a recap of this week's highlights and lowlights.
Meeting of the minds
On Thursday, a who's who of the pipeline industry gathered in Bismarck, N.D., for the North Dakota Governor's Pipeline Summit. The meeting was meant to address the desperate need for pipeline capacity in the Bakken shale. Oil production in the region hit 609,000 barrels per day in April, but midstream capacity is only expected to reach 538,000 bpd by the end of 2012.
Many midstream companies are making significant investments to bring the Bakken up to speed. Oneok Partners
Ye ol' soapbox
Mary Fallin, the governor of Oklahoma, took a trip to Alberta, Canada, to tout the virtues of TransCanada's
Adding capacity in the Eagle Ford
Kinder Morgan
The project cost $215 million and is made up of both new pipe and converted natural gas pipeline that will deliver oil to the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Foolish takeaway
Midstream is where it's at, folks. The energy industry will spend an estimated $130 billion-$210 billion expanding natural gas infrastructure over the next 20 years. After all, the more oil and gas that flows through those pipelines and processing centers, the more cash there is to flow into your pockets. Stay on top of all the midstream action by adding the companies above to My Watchlist.