A joint venture led by infrastructure firm WhiteWater, alongside partners Devon Energy, MPLX, Diamondback Energy, and Western Midstream Partners, has reached a final investment decision (FID) to construct two new natural gas pipelines connecting the Permian Basin to Katy, Texas.
As the premier oil-producing region in the United States, the Permian Basin has generated a steady rise in associated natural gas output. This growth has driven a surge in infrastructure investments to transport gas to high-demand hubs across the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Key details of the project include:
* **Project Backing:** Named the Solitude Pipeline System, the joint venture is supported by significant, long-term firm transportation commitments from investment-grade shippers.
* **Phased Development:** The pipeline network will be built in stages. The first phase is projected to launch in late 2029 with a capacity of approximately 2.25 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d).
* **Capacity Expansion:** A planned second phase in 2030 will introduce an additional 2.25 Bcf/d, raising the system’s total capacity to about 4.5 Bcf/d. The infrastructure is designed to allow for further expansions to meet future shipper demand.
* **Ownership Structure:** WhiteWater maintains a 50% stake in the joint venture. Devon Energy holds 25%, MPLX holds 10%, while Diamondback Energy and Western Midstream Partners each retain a 7.5% share.
* **Timeline:** Pending standard regulatory reviews and approvals, the Solitude Pipeline System is scheduled to begin operations during the second half of 2029.
