Enterprise Products Partners L.P. is embarking on a significant expansion of its natural gas processing capabilities in the Permian Basin, specifically in the Delaware Basin, with the construction of the Mentone West 2 plant. This new facility is a strategic development in the company’s portfolio, aiming to bolster its capacity to process natural gas and extract natural gas liquids (NGLs) in a region known for its prolific energy production.
The Mentone West 2 plant is designed to process over 300 million cubic feet per day (MMcfpd) of natural gas and extract more than 40,000 barrels per day (bpd) of NGLs. Set to be located in Loving County, Texas, this plant represents a significant step in Enterprise’s long-term strategy, with an expected commencement of service in the second quarter of 2026. This development was announced in a recent news release, underscoring the company’s commitment to expanding its operational footprint in one of North America’s most vital energy-producing regions.
In tandem with the Mentone West 2 project, Enterprise Products Partners has also initiated service at its Mentone 3 natural gas processing plant. This facility mirrors the processing and extraction capabilities of the upcoming Mentone West 2, handling over 300 MMcfpd of natural gas and extracting more than 40,000 bpd of NGLs. This addition to Enterprise’s infrastructure is part of a broader strategy to enhance its processing efficiency and market responsiveness.
Further illustrating its commitment to growth, the company has reported that the Mentone West 1 plant, previously referred to as Mentone 4, is progressing as planned. This facility is expected to start operations in the second half of 2025, reinforcing the company’s processing capacity in the region.
Upon the completion of these strategic projects, Enterprise will have elevated its processing capabilities to more than 2.8 billion cubic feet per day (Bcfpd) of natural gas, with the ability to extract in excess of 370,000 bpd of NGLs in the Delaware Basin alone. This expansion is indicative of the company’s role as a pivotal player in the energy sector, particularly in natural gas processing and NGL extraction.
The expansion narrative continues in the Midland Basin, where Enterprise’s Leonidas natural gas processing plant in Midland County, Texas, has commenced operations. The company is also progressing with the construction of the Orion natural gas processing facility, which is anticipated to start service in the latter half of 2025. Both plants are designed with the capacity to process over 300 MMcfpd of natural gas and extract more than 40,000 bpd of NGLs, respectively. Following the completion of the Orion facility, Enterprise is set to process 1.9 Bcfpd of natural gas and extract over 270,000 bpd of NGLs.
These developments in both the Delaware and Midland Basins are underpinned by long-term producer dedications and minimum volume commitments, ensuring stable and predictable operations for Enterprise. This strategic positioning is crucial for the company’s sustained growth and operational reliability in the volatile energy market.
A.J. Teague, co-chief executive officer of Enterprise’s general partner, emphasized the significance of the Permian Basin in the national energy landscape, projecting it to contribute more than 90 percent of domestic NGL production by the end of the decade. He highlighted the continuous innovation and development in the basin, which has established it as one of the most productive energy regions globally. Through its expansion efforts, Enterprise aims to facilitate this growth, ensuring safe and reliable access to both domestic and international markets.
Enterprise Products Partners, known as one of the largest publicly traded partnerships, plays a crucial role in North America’s midstream energy sector. The company provides a wide range of services to producers and consumers of natural gas, NGLs, crude oil, refined products, and petrochemicals. Its extensive asset portfolio includes over 50,000 miles of pipelines, more than 300 million barrels of storage capacity for various energy products, and 14 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage capacity. This comprehensive network of assets and facilities underscores Enterprise’s integral position in the energy supply chain, facilitating the efficient and reliable delivery of vital energy resources across North America and beyond.