Pioneer Generation Station

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March 13, 2 012 - Pioneer Generation Station receives permit to construct from the ND Dept. of Health

To serve the increasing demand for electricity by member cooperatives in northwest North Dakota, Basin Electric is planning to construct a natural gas-fired peaking station northwest of Williston. Named for an abandoned school in the area, the possible location of the new 45-megawatt Pioneer Generation Station is near the site of a new natural gas processing plant. The construction project was approved by the Basin Electric board of directors in November 2011.

The Pioneer Generation Station would primarily be used to support the local transmission system and serve loads developing in the area. The unit would incorporate a synchronous clutch. If needed, the turbine could be disconnected from the generator, and the generator would act as a motor, thus providing much-needed voltage support to the area.

Before construction can start, several permits are required, including zoning change and conditional use permits from Williams County, and an air permit to construct from the state. Construction is projected to begin in 2012 with commercial operation planned for 2013.

Project facts

Location	Northwest of Williston, ND
Capacity	45 megawatts
Fuel	Natural gas
Turbine	General Electric LM 6000 combustion turbine generator
Estimated cost	$60 million
Grid connection	115-kilovolt transmission line less than one mile in length
Construction	Planned to begin early summer 2012
Commercial Operation	Planned for early 2013

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Basin Electric Power Cooperative

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1717 East Interstate Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58503-0564 USA
Phone: 701.223.0441

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Basin Electric Power Cooperative will provide cost-effective wholesale energy along with products and services that support and unite rural America.

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