The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) has approved a permit (T10643) for the Blackcomb Pipeline. The Blackcomb Pipeline is a significant infrastructure project designed to enhance natural gas transportation from the Permian Basin, one of the most productive energy regions in the United States, to the Agua Dulce hub in South Texas. This 42-inch diameter pipeline will span approximately 365 miles and is expected to transport up to 2.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day (Bcf/d). Developed by WhiteWater Midstream in partnership with MPLX, Enbridge, and Targa Resources, the Blackcomb Pipeline will alleviate existing capacity constraints in the Permian, which have been limiting natural gas production growth. Expected to be operational in the second half of 2026, the pipeline is strategically positioned to meet growing demand for natural gas takeaway capacity and is backed by firm agreements with major producers such as Devon Energy, Diamondback Energy, and Marathon Petroleum.
Here is a point-form summary of the Blackcomb Pipeline project:
- Final Investment Decision (FID): Reached by WhiteWater Midstream and its partners on July 31, 2024.
- Pipeline Details:
- Size: 42-inch diameter
- Length: Approximately 365 miles
- Capacity: 2.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas
- Route: From the Permian Basin (West Texas) to the Agua Dulce hub (South Texas).
- Joint Venture Partners:
- Ownership: 70% Whistler Pipeline JV (50.6% WhiteWater Midstream, 30.4% MPLX, 19% Enbridge)
- Targa Resources (17.5% ownership)
- MPLX holds an additional 12.5% stake.
- Operational Timeline: Expected to be in service in the second half of 2026.
- Supply Sources:
- Gas sourced from processing plants in the Midland Basin and connections to the Agua Blanca Pipeline (Delaware Basin.
- Transportation Agreements: Backed by firm agreements with major producers such as Devon Energy, Diamondback Energy, and Marathon Petroleum.
- Strategic Importance:
- Follows the Matterhorn Express Pipeline (targeted online in late 2024).
- Designed to address the growing demand for natural gas takeaway capacity from the Permian Basin, a region facing chronic constraints.
- Future Capacity: Initial capacity will be 2 Bcf/d, with the option to add 500 MMcf/d later through compression.
In conclusion, the Blackcomb Pipeline is poised to become a critical addition to the natural gas infrastructure in the Permian Basin, addressing growing concerns over takeaway capacity as production continues to rise. With a capacity of 2.5 Bcf/d and a strategic route connecting West Texas to the Agua Dulce hub, this project is backed by solid partnerships and agreements with major producers. Set to be operational by the second half of 2026, Blackcomb will not only alleviate current transportation bottlenecks but also provide room for future expansion to meet long-term demand. As the region continues to experience growth, this pipeline will play a vital role in supporting both the Permian’s natural gas production and the broader U.S. energy market.
