KMEP places Sierrita gas pipeline into service

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, Houtson, reported that the fully subscribed Sierrita Pipeline has begun service. The 60-mile, 36-in. pipeline, which has 200 MMcfd of firm transportation capacity, extends from El Paso Natural Gas’ existing south mainlines near Tucson, Ariz., to the US-Mexico border near Sasabe, Ariz. The system interconnects via a new international border crossing with a gas pipeline in Mexico.

It will help Mexico meet its environmental goals of converting existing fuel oil-fired electric power generation plants to gas and provide gas for future power plants.

The project was built in partnership with MGI Enterprises US LLC; a wholly owned affiliate of Pemex Gas y Petroquimica Basica, itself a subsidiary of Petroleos Mexicanos; and MIT Pipeline Investment Americas Inc., a subsidiary of Mitsui & Co. Ltd.