Energy Transfer has brought its Hugh Brinson Pipeline into commercial service, a new line built to relieve takeaway constraints out of the Permian Basin. The pipeline is on track to reach its full Phase I capacity of 1.5 Bcf/d by September 1, 2026. It links West Texas supply directly to demand centers across central and North Texas, where industrial facilities, power plants and data centers are increasing their reliance on natural gas.
Route and capacity
The system spans about 442 miles across 18 Texas counties. The core is roughly 400 miles of 42-inch high-pressure steel mainline running from processing hubs near Waha to Maypearl, Texas, south of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. A 42-mile, 36-inch lateral gathers gas from processing facilities in Martin and Midland counties and feeds it into the mainline. At Maypearl, the pipeline ties into Energy Transfer's existing intrastate network, giving producers access to market hubs at Katy and Carthage as well as Gulf Coast LNG export facilities. Adding compression in a Phase II could raise total throughput to 2.3 Bcf/d.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Mainline | ~400 miles, 42-inch, Waha to Maypearl |
| Midland lateral | 42 miles, 36-inch |
| Phase I capacity | 1.5 Bcf/d by Sept 1, 2026 |
| Phase II potential | Up to 2.3 Bcf/d with added compression |
| Abilene lateral | 14 miles, ready for service |
Early revenue
Early commissioning flows on the pipeline generated $21 million in realized natural gas revenue during the second quarter of 2026, against $4 million in added operating expenses for the quarter. Energy Transfer's Intrastate Transportation and Storage segment reported $377 million in Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter, up 33% from $284 million in the same period last year.
Last-mile links to power and data center demand
During the second quarter, Energy Transfer also finished a 14-mile lateral off the Hugh Brinson main line in Abilene, Texas, now ready for commercial service. The company signed commitments adding a combined 100 MMcf/d of natural gas service for power plants and data center facilities in Texas.
Permitting and construction
Energy Transfer used horizontal directional drilling to bore beneath major highways and water crossings along the route. The company invested $1.48 million in conservation credits to protect 331 acres of Golden-Cheeked Warbler habitat across Johnson, Somervell, Hood, Erath and Eastland counties.
Outlook
Energy Transfer is projecting $5.6 billion to $5.9 billion in full-year 2026 growth capital expenditures, with continued work on lateral extensions, compressor stations and utility interconnects in the region.
