The Matterhorn Express Pipeline is set to move forward with construction following a final investment decision (FID) on the new natural gas pipeline in the Permian Basin recently announced by developer WhiteWater.

“Matterhorn will provide premium market access with superior flexibility for Permian Basin shippers while playing a critical role in minimizing flared volumes,” WhiteWater CEO Christer Rundlof said in a company release on May 19.

An approximately 490-mile, 42-inch intrastate pipeline, the Matterhorn Express Pipeline has been designed to transport up to 2.5 Bcf/d of natural gas from Waha, Texas, in the Permian Basin to the Katy area outside Houston. Matterhorn Express is a joint venture (JV) with WhiteWater, EnLink  Midstream LLC, Devon Energy Corp. and MPLX LP.

“WhiteWater is excited to partner with EnLink, Devon and MPLX to develop incremental gas transportation out of the Permian Basin as production continues to grow in West Texas,” Rundlof added.

WhiteWater Midstream Matterhorn Express Pipeline Map
Supply for the Matterhorn Express Pipeline will be sourced from multiple upstream connections in the Permian Basin, including direct connections to processing facilities in the Midland Basin. (Source: WhiteWater Midstream LLC)

After having secured sufficient firm transportation agreements with shippers, WhiteWater said in the May 19 release that the group of pipeline developers have reached the FID to move forward with the construction of the Matterhorn Express Pipeline.

The Matterhorn Express Pipeline is expected to be in service in the third quarter of 2024, pending the receipt of customary regulatory and other approvals. An approximate 75-mile lateral will also provide connectivity for gas processors in the Midland Basin, as well as a direct connection to the 3.2 Bcf/d Agua Blanca Pipeline, a JV between WhiteWater and MPLX.

WhiteWater, an Austin, Texas based infrastructure company, has partnered with Ridgemont Equity Partners and First Infrastructure Capital on the Matterhorn Express Pipeline.