Spectra Energy and Spectra Energy Partners have proposed a pipeline that would add an initial 400,000 b/d of capacity to carry crude oil from growing supply areas in the US West to the Midwest and Gulf Coast.
Spectra Energy Liquids Pres. Duane Rae said the project would involve “all new pipe” between Guernsey, Wyo., and Patoka, Ill. Patoka is a hub for pipelines serving the Gulf Coast.
Rae said the proposed pipeline would not necessarily follow the route of Spectra Energy’s existing Platte Pipeline between Guernsey and Wood River, Ill., about 80 miles west of Patoka, but would do so where possible. He said connection through Wood River is “a strong possibility” because of the option to load crude onto barges there for movement down the Mississippi River to the Gulf Coast.
The new pipeline would be about 900 miles long. The diameter now envisioned is 24 in.
The 20-in. Platte Pipeline has capacity of 145,000 b/d between Guernsey and Wood River. Between its northern end at Casper and Guernsey, which are 90 miles apart, its capacity is 164,000 b/d.
At Casper, the Platte system connects with Spectra Energy’s 785-mile, 24-in. Express Pipeline, which has capacity to carry 280,000 b/d of crude from Hardisty, Alta.
Rae said Spectra Energy will now scope the proposed project in consultation with shippers, announce an open season “very early in 2015,” and make an investment decision soon after that.