Western Midstream Partners said the Solitude Pipeline System joint venture has reached a positive Final Investment Decision (formal approval to proceed) to build two 48-inch natural gas pipelines from the Permian Basin to Katy, Texas. WES holds a 7.5% equity interest in the WhiteWater-operated project and has also contracted for firm transportation capacity (reserved pipeline space), a move the company said will add residue takeaway and improve flow assurance for its Delaware Basin customers. The venture said the system is backed by substantial long-term transportation agreements with predominantly investment-grade shippers and is designed in phases, with about 2.25 Bcf/d of capacity expected in late 2029 and a further 2.25 Bcf/d in 2030, with room to expand later depending on demand. WES said the project is intended to support Permian production growth, rising gas-to-oil ratios and expanding Gulf Coast demand, including LNG exports, while meeting its return thresholds.