#United States #Tulsa #Natural Gas #ONEOK #Eiger Express

ONEOK and Partners Unveil Eiger Express Pipeline

In a significant development for the energy sector, ONEOK, Inc. along with WhiteWater, MPLX LP, and Enbridge announced the launch of a new joint venture aimed at facilitating natural gas transportation from the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast. This venture, dubbed the Eiger Express Pipeline, is a crucial infrastructure project that underscores the rising natural gas production in the Permian Basin, one of the most prolific oil and gas regions in the United States.

Project Overview

The Eiger Express Pipeline will span approximately 450 miles and feature a 42-inch diameter. It is designed to carry up to 2.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas. The pipeline will transport natural gas from various facilities, including those owned by ONEOK and MPLX, as well as connections in the Midland and Delaware basins. Its termination points will include the Katy area near Houston and additional capacity for the Corpus Christi market, meeting the growing demands for energy in these regions.

Strategic Importance

ONEOK president and CEO, Pierce H. Norton II, emphasized the strategic significance of this infrastructural advancement. “This important infrastructure project is needed to provide additional transportation capacity out of the highly productive Permian Basin,” he stated. The pipeline’s strategic location will enhance connectivity to burgeoning natural gas markets, which is vital for fulfilling the increasing electricity generation needs and international demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

Operational Backing

The Eiger Express Pipeline will be constructed and operated by WhiteWater and is set to be completed by mid-2028, contingent upon receiving the necessary regulatory approvals. The pipeline is supported by long-term transportation agreements lasting ten years or more, ensuring stable transport for the natural gas being produced in the region.

Economic Impact

The deployment of the Eiger Express Pipeline is expected to bolster economic growth by enhancing energy security and creating numerous job opportunities in both construction and operational phases. By facilitating the movement of natural gas, it can help stabilize energy prices while ensuring consumers have access to reliable energy sources. This project is beneficial not only for companies involved but also for local economies that might experience a boost from enhanced energy infrastructure.

About the Joint Venture

This joint venture is primarily governed by the Matterhorn JV, where ownership is distributed among the partners as follows: 70% by Matterhorn, 15% by ONEOK, and 15% by MPLX. Notably, ONEOK’s total stake in the venture is 25.5%, which includes its shareholding in Matterhorn. The Matterhorn JV already operates other significant pipelines that connect the Permian Basin to Gulf Coast markets, thus enhancing the overall pipeline capacity for natural gas transport.

Conclusion

As ONEOK and its partners embark on the construction of the Eiger Express Pipeline, industry observers anticipate positive implications for energy infrastructure in North America. The development promises to support natural gas production from the Permian Basin while meeting the rising demands for energy in the Gulf Coast region. This strategic investment marks an important chapter in the ongoing shift toward cleaner energy resources, contributing to both local economies and the broader energy landscape in the United States and potentially globally.

For further information about ONEOK and other related projects, please visit oneok.com.