Company gauging interest in developing a west-east natural gas pipeline in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (KUMV) - WBI Energy is looking at developing a new pipeline that would take natural gas from the Bakken out east.

The proposed Bakken East pipeline would run 375 miles between Watford City and Fargo. It would be near other areas, including Beulah, Hazen, Valley City and Casselton.

North Dakota Pipeline Authority Director Justin Kringstad said projects like this are needed to help oil producers deal with excess amounts of natural gas being produced.

“Moving our residual natural gas is one of the key challenges that North Dakota is facing long-term. This is one significant step in the right direction. Again, this is still early. It is a proposed project, but I know their team is going to continue to work hard with potential users of that,” said Kringstad.

WBI is reaching out to potential shippers about their interest through the end of January. The project is expected to be online in two phases: the western half by the end of 2028 and the eastern half by the end of 2029.

Talk of an east-west pipeline has been ongoing for years since the North Dakota legislature approved funding for one, but no one applied for it.

Kringstad said more uses for natural gas are necessary to prevent a potential bottleneck for oil production in the future.