Utilities in both North and South Dakota are planning to build brand new gas-fired power stations in the coming years.
In North Dakota, a 1,490-MW natural gas-fired combined-cycle plant has been approved. According to Basin Electric Power Cooperative, this is the state’s first new baseload power in over 40 years.
Known as the Bison Generation Station project, the facility will be located in the northwest part of the state and will include investments of almost $4 billion.
The project will be built in two parts, with two 745-MW units coming online in 2029 and 2030, respectively. The plant will support industry within the state by supplying natural gas from nearby sources.
In South Dakota, a smaller 145-MW gas-fired facility has been proposed. The Toronto Power Plant plan has been submitted to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission by Missouri River Energy Services (MRES).
The proposed project includes four combustion turbine-generators and a 4.9-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission line. It will source natural gas from an existing gas pipeline, and connect to a substation with access to the regional power grid. If approved, construction will begin in 2027 and operation by the end of 2029.
