Enbridge Tests Shippers' Interest in West Texas Express Pipeline

Enbridge has launched a non-binding open season for its proposed West Texas Express pipeline, which aims to transport up to 2 Bcf/d of Permian Basin natural gas supply from the Waha hub to near El Paso. The proposed 42-inch intrastate line would extend over 150 miles and target power generation, utilities, and industrial users, including data centers. This new pipeline could provide an alternative route for Permian gas into Mexico, potentially supporting Sempra Energy's ECA LNG Phase 2 project. Enbridge is targeting a fourth-quarter 2029 in-service date if the open season is successful.

The West Texas Express pipeline would originate at Waha, providing access to numerous systems already converging at the hub. It could also increase connectivity between Waha and Western pipeline infrastructure, including Energy Transfer's Desert Southwest expansion. Enbridge's proposal includes laterals into Hudspeth County and potential connections with new or existing delivery meters along the US-Mexico border.

The open season runs from September 10-25, and Enbridge is seeking customer commitments to determine the pipeline's design and capacity. The project could also provide an additional pathway for Permian gas into Mexico, which has growing demand, including LNG exports. This new pipeline would complement Transwestern Pipeline's Desert Southwest expansion, targeting additional Permian supply moving toward New Mexico and Arizona.