As reported by Reuters, MPLX LP on Monday said they will move forward with plans including the expansion of a Permian Basin natural gas pipeline that will ease an expected lack of takeaway capacity from the Untited States top Shale region.
The Whistler Pipeline expansion will increase the mainline capacity from 2 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) to 2.5 Bcf/d through the planned installation of three new compressor stations. The expansion is expected to be in service in September 2023.
"The decision to move forward with this expansion project after securing sufficient commitments from shippers demonstrates our disciplined approach to investing," said Timothy J. Aydt, MPLX executive vice president and chief commercial officer.
"Whistler has demonstrated its ability to provide reliable and cost-efficient residue gas transportation out of the Permian Basin, which is vital to our growing gas processing position, producers in the region, and gas customers."
The Whistler pipeline is an approximately 450-mile, 42-inch diameter intrastate pipeline that transports natural gas from the Waha Header in the Permian Basin to Agua Dulce, Texas, providing direct access to South Texas and export markets. An approximately 85-mile, 36-inch diameter lateral provides connectivity to the Midland Basin.
In April, Meanwhile, Kinder Morgan stated it was working on plans to expand its Permian Highway Pipeline and Gulf Coast Express pipelines, expected to be in service about 18 months after they have contracts and a final investment decision.
The company also said during it's earnings call it would continue to add crude gathering infrastructure in the Permian Basin - as well as the Bakken, which is located primarily in North Dakota.
Construction is continuing on the company's 200 MMcf/d Torñado-2 processing plant in the Delaware Basin, expected to come online in the second half of 2022, the company said.
