WhiteWater, together with Devon Energy, MPLX LP, Diamondback Energy and Western Midstream Partners, announced Aug. 17 that their Solitude Pipeline System joint venture reached a positive final investment decision to build two 48-inch natural gas pipelines, each running from the Permian Basin to Katy, Texas. The joint venture said it secured long-term firm transportation agreements with shippers that are mostly investment grade to support the decision.
Ownership and financing
WhiteWater owns half of Solitude. Devon Energy holds a 25% stake, MPLX 10%, and Diamondback Energy and Western Midstream Partners 7.5% each. I Squared Capital and FIC Partners Management, LP are partners in WhiteWater's share of the project. I Squared Capital, an infrastructure investor headquartered in Miami, manages more than $60 billion in assets across more than 100 companies in over 70 countries. WhiteWater, based in Austin, Texas, operates a portfolio of gas transmission assets.
Capacity build-out
Solitude's design is phased and flexible. The system is set to provide about 2.25 Bcf/d of initial capacity in late 2029, with another 2.25 Bcf/d added in 2030, and the joint venture can add capacity beyond that to meet shipper demand.
| Phase | Capacity added | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | ~2.25 Bcf/d | Late 2029 |
| Second | ~2.25 Bcf/d | 2030 |
WhiteWater said commissioning of that capacity can be moved earlier or later to match market conditions. Solitude is expected to enter service in the second half of 2029, subject to regulatory and other approvals.
Solitude is meant to move gas from growing Permian Basin production to expanding Gulf Coast consumption, the joint venture said.
