Simpson Thacher advised WhiteWater in connection with the positive final investment decision to construct the Solitude Pipeline System (“Solitude”), a joint venture among WhiteWater, Devon Energy Corporation, MPLX LP, Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Western Midstream Partners, LP. I Squared Capital and FIC Partners Management, LP are partners in WhiteWater’s investment in Solitude.
Solitude will comprise two 48-inch natural gas pipelines extending from the Permian Basin to Katy, Texas, providing scalable, long-haul natural gas transportation to support Permian Basin growth and expanding Gulf Coast consumption. The project has secured substantial long-term firm transportation agreements with predominantly investment-grade shippers. Solitude’s flexible, phased design is expected to provide approximately 2.25 Bcf/d of initial capacity in late 2029 and an additional 2.25 Bcf/d in 2030, with the ability to accelerate or defer thereafter in response to evolving market dynamics. Solitude is expected to enter service in the second half of 2029, subject to customary regulatory and other approvals.
The Simpson Thacher team included Shamus Crosby, Katy Lukaszewski, Breen Haire, John Brannan, Tushar Parashar, Gavin Jaco, Jacob Bryant, Kimberly Jacobs, Kelsey McKechnie and Kaylee Ham (Energy and Infrastructure); Benjamin Rippeon, Adam Arikat, Sean Largey and Jacob Kennedy (Tax); and David Rubinsky (Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits).