WBI Energy has greenlit the construction of the Bakken East Pipeline, a significant project intended to transport natural gas across North Dakota. With an estimated cost between $2.7 billion and $3.2 billion, the pipeline will span approximately 350 miles and is designed to move up to 1.4 Bcf/d of natural gas.
Key Highlights:
- Final Investment Decision (FID): The project has cleared this crucial milestone with board approval from MDU Resources Group as of September 30.
- Routing: The pipeline will connect the Bakken region in western North Dakota to near Fargo in the east, allowing for increased natural gas availability in central and eastern parts of the state.
- Capacity Expansion: Designed to accommodate future growth in demand, the pipeline will initially serve a capacity of 1.4 Bcf/d.
- Construction Timeline: Anticipated to take place between 2028 and 2030, the project will be executed in two phases. The first phase, targeting completion by late 2029, will stretch from the Bakken to central North Dakota, while the second phase aims to connect to a WBI Energy compressor station near Mapleton by late 2030.
- Infrastructure Enhancements: The project will include modifications at existing compressor stations and the addition of four new ones.
- Financial Backing: The North Dakota Industrial Commission has pledged a firm capacity commitment of $50 million annually for 10 years in support of the project.
- Funding Strategy: MDU Resources is exploring different financing structures, including potential partnerships.
This pipeline is seen as a crucial development in enhancing North Dakota’s natural gas infrastructure.
