WhiteWater and four partners reached a final investment decision on the Solitude Pipeline System on Aug. 17, 2026, WhiteWater said. The decision clears the way to build two 48-inch natural gas pipelines, each running from the Permian Basin to Katy, Texas. A final investment decision is the point at which a project's owners commit the capital needed to build it. WhiteWater is an Austin, Texas-based infrastructure company that operates multiple gas transmission assets, according to the release.
WhiteWater said Solitude has already signed long-term firm transportation agreements with shippers it described as predominantly investment-grade, and that the pipelines will carry gas out of the Permian to serve growing consumption on the Gulf Coast.
Capacity and timeline
The system has a phased design. Initial capacity of about 2.25 Bcf/d is due online in late 2029, with a further 2.25 Bcf/d following in 2030, for a combined 4.5 Bcf/d once both phases are running. WhiteWater said capacity could be added beyond that to meet shipper demand, and that either phase can be moved earlier or later depending on market conditions. Solitude is expected to enter service in the second half of 2029, subject to regulatory and other approvals.
Ownership
WhiteWater holds 50% of the joint venture. Devon Energy holds 25%, MPLX LP holds 10%, and Diamondback Energy and Western Midstream Partners each hold 7.5%. I Squared Capital and FIC Partners Management, LP are partners in WhiteWater's stake in Solitude.
We reported last month that Devon Energy sanctioned the Solitude pipeline to move Permian gas to Katy.
