Construction Underway at Natural Gas Plant | Video

Chris Williams | 7/19/2012

Construction is just beginning on Pioneer natural gas plant west of Williston. The plant is going to be what is called a peaking plant, which means it will provide extra electricity when demand is at it`s highest.

"That`s why pioneer is a very important part of a generating resource. We can bring it on quickly, and it can generate electricity as needed. Then when the peak goes back down then you turn it off," said Basin Electric Spokesman Daryl Hill.

Peaking stations are built to run faster than other electric plants.

"Once you hit the start button, then we`ll be running online at full load in about 15 minutes. That`s the beauty of a peaking station," Hill said.

Basin Electric made the move to Williston after watching the affects the oil boom had the northwestern part of the state.

"Over the years, we`ve been watching load growth, and it`s showing that over the next several years that load growth could be over 900 megawatts," added Hill.

When pioneer generation station is operational, it will feed a distribution system, which will supply 45 megawatts of power. Which might be a little more than you think.

"Just to put it in reference one megawatt of capacity is enough to serve about 800 residential homes," said Hill.

The electricity from Pioneer will go to Mountrail Williams Electric, and then be supplied to residential homes.

"As a power supplier to them it`s our obligation to them to have the generating facilities online and running to meet the needs that they are experiencing because of this oil development," Hill added.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY