Processing agreements will bring Marcellus complex to 1 bcfd

Processing agreements between MarkWest Energy Partners LP and producer Antero Resources, both of Denver, will underpin construction of a fifth 200-MMcfd cryogenic gas plant at MarkWest’s Sherwood complex in Doddridge County, W.Va., the companies reported.

The new plant will start up in third-quarter 2014 and bring the Sherwood complex’s capacity to 1 bcfd. The complex consists of two 200-MMcfd plants operating at nearly full utilization, said MarkWest. By yearend, the company will start up a third 200-MMcfd plant there and says it is quickly moving ahead with construction of a fourth plant by second-quarter 2014 (OGJ Online, June 10, 2013).

Antero’s NGLs recovered at the Sherwood are currently being delivered for fractionation and marketing to MarkWest’s Houston complex in Washington County, Pa. The company said Houston is the largest fractionation facility in the Northeast.

In addition, it provides Marcellus producers with the first large-scale de-ethanization in the Northeast capable of producing purity ethane for delivery to Mariner West and ultimately to the ATEX and Mariner East projects.