Rio Bravo Pipeline Launches Open Season
Rio Bravo Pipeline Co. LLC is conducting a binding open season to solicit commitments for firm natural gas pipeline transportation for new pipeline facilities in southern Texas. The company proposes to construct the system, which would connect the recently announced Rio Grande Terminal to the Agua Dulce market area. Companies must submit notices of interest to Rio Bravo by June 1 to be considered.

Rio Bravo pipeline map.
The proposed Rio Bravo pipeline system will include two parallel 42-in. diameter, 137.5-mile feed gas pipelines sharing a right of way, three 180,000-hp (at full build out) compressor stations, six mainline valve sites with two valves per location (one for each pipeline), four metering sites housing a total of six meter stations along the system’s approximately 2.4-mile long header system, as well as additional ancillary facilities.
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The pipeline system will transport natural gas from Kleberg and Jim Wells counties, Texas, to a delivery point adjacent to the Rio Grande liquefaction facilities and export terminal. The Rio Bravo system will be designed to allow for interconnection with various unaffiliated intrastate and interstate natural gas pipelines at multiple receipt points.
The typical operating pressure of the Rio Bravo header system is estimated to be 750 psi. At full build-out, the pipeline will have a maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of 1,480 psi and be able to deliver up to 4.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas.
The Rio Bravo system’s capacity will be phased into service starting in 2020. The first pipeline is estimated to begin delivering 1.5 Bcf/d in the fourth quarter 2020 and ramp up to 2.25 Bcf/d by the third quarter 2021. The second pipeline is estimated to start service at 1.5 Bcf/d in the fourth quarter 2022 and ramp up to 2.25 Bcf/d by the first quarter 2024.
Rio Bravo Pipeline Co. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NextDecade LLC, based out of The Woodlands, Texas. Additional information on Rio Bravo and the pipeline system is available through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s e-library system and by searching for docket CP16-455. For more information on the open season and instructions on how to participate, visit riobravopipeline.com.
Tags: natural gas, NextDecade LLC, Open Season, Rio Bravo Pipeline
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