Basin Electric to build 1,400-megawatt generation facility in northwest North Dakota

Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin Electric) is set to build a new natural gas-fueled generation facility in Williams County, North Dakota.

The nearly $4 billion project, called the Bison Generation Station to be constructed near the town of Epping, will produce approximately 1,470 megawatts (MW) of electricity, one of the largest electric generation projects in the cooperative's history. Comprising two units of roughly 700 MW each, the facility will help meet electric load growth in the region that stems from industrial work, manufacturing, data processing, residential customers, and small businesses, including farms and ranches.

"Building the Bison Generation facility represents the cooperative model at its best- prioritizing member needs through enhanced reliability, affordability, and community-focused benefits," said Basin Electric CEO and General Manager Todd Brickhouse. "This investment strengthens our commitment to an all-of-the-above generation portfolio strategy, balancing diverse fuel types, generation methods, and locations to ensure resilience and flexibility."

"Economically, Bison Generation Station will create jobs, drive local development, and support the broader community. Strategically, it extends our proven approach of converting low-cost, regional natural resources into affordable electricity," Brickhouse said.

Pending regulatory approval, site grading is expected to begin later this year, with foundation construction scheduled for 2026. At peak construction in 2027, the project is expected to employ approximately 1,000 workers. Once completed, the facility will provide approximately 50 full-time positions for operations, maintenance, and administration. Commercial operations are slated to begin in 2030.

Gavin McCollam, Basin Electric senior vice president and chief operating officer, said the future generation station will be unique because of its size, becoming the largest power plant solely owned by Basin Electric.

"It seems like a never-ending challenge to keep up with the load growth, and this plant will go a long way in meeting that demand," he said. "Basin Electric has been increasing its renewable portfolio over the years, and this natural gas facility will fill in the gaps when wind and solar are not available."

Learn more about the Bison Generation Station project.