Partners in a WhiteWater-led joint venture announced Monday their final investment decision for Solitude pipeline, a major new system connecting Permian Basin and Katy. The partners will construct two 48-inch natural gas pipelines in a phased buildout intended to transport 4.5 billion cubic feet per day by 2030 to Gulf Coast gas markets. Solitude will have initial capacity of 2.25 Bcfd when entering service in second half of 2029 followed by another 2.25 Bcfd in 2030. WhiteWater owns 50 percent equity interest, Devon Energy 25 percent, MPLX 10 percent, and Diamondback Energy and Western Midstream Partners 7.5 percent each.
Clay Gaspar, president and CEO of Devon, said, “Solitude is not a standalone investment. It is the next step in an integrated model we have been building for years.” Permian Basin producers have endured volatile and periodically negative pricing at Waha hub in west Texas where takeaway capacity often has failed to keep pace with growth in production of associated gas.