EQT and NextEra announce pipeline project

EQT Corporation and NextEra US Gas Assets, LLC, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc have announced the commencement of a non-binding open season for the Mountain Valley Pipeline project, which is expected to connect Marcellus and Utica natural gas supply to demand markets in the Southeast region of the US.

The companies also announced the signing of a letter of intent to form a joint venture that is expected to construct and own the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Under the letter of intent, EQT is expected to, through one or more of its affiliates, including EQT Midstream Partners, LP, operate the pipeline and own a majority interest in the joint venture.

Subject to FERC approval, the 330 mile Mountain Valley Pipeline project will extend the Equitrans transmission system from Wetzel County, West Virginia; and travel south to its expected primary delivery point, Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Company’s (Transco) Zone 5 compressor station 165 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

In addition to the primary delivery point, the Mountain Valley Pipeline has numerous potential interconnects with pipelines and processing facilities; and shippers will have the option to request a project extension to delivery points further south into North Carolina. The Mountain Valley Pipeline is expected to initially provide at least 2 billion ft³/d of firm transmission capacity. Including EQT, the open season has commitments from two foundation shippers that, combined, have agreed to 1 billion ft³/d of firm transmission capacity through 20-year contracts on the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Delivery to Transco station 165 is expected to be in service by Q4 of 2018.

“By leveraging our existing asset footprint and extensive pipeline network, this project will provide Marcellus and Utica producers a unique opportunity to transport their growing natural gas production to the southeast, one of the nation’s fastest growing demand markets,” stated Randy Crawford, Senior Vice President, EQT Corporation; and Chief Operating Officer, EQT Midstream Partners.

“This is an exciting opportunity to invest in a high-quality natural gas pipeline that we expect to be fully contracted for the next 20 years,” said TJ Tuscai, President, NextEra US Gas Assets. “This project is expected to support production growth and physical takeaway capability in the Marcellus and Utica and provide new markets to producers and shippers in the region. In addition, customers in the southeast United States should benefit from a new reliable supply source.”

Adapted from press release by Hannah Priestley-Eaton

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/16062014/eqt_and_nextera_announce_pipeline_project/