Basin Electric breaks ground on historic generation facility

Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin Electric) broke ground Monday on Bison Generation Station, located near Ray, North Dakota. With two roughly 745-megawatt (MW) units, the combined-cycle natural gas-fueled power plant will produce up to 1,490 MW making it one of the largest electric generation projects in the cooperative’s history.

“In a few short years, Bison Generation Station will stand as the flagship of Basin Electric’s natural gas fleet,” said Todd Brickhouse, CEO and general manager for Basin Electric. “Producing nearly 1,500 megawatts of electricity, it will reflect our commitment to delivering reliable, affordable electricity in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.”

The project, estimated at nearly $4 billion, will be built near the existing Wheelock substation along U.S. Highway 2. Using combined-cycle technology, the facility brings efficiency to its operation by harnessing the energy in locally produced natural gas via both a combustion turbine and a steam turbine to generate electricity. The project supports the cooperative’s long-standing strategy of converting low-cost, regional natural resources, such as coal, wind, hydro, and natural gas, into affordable and reliable electricity for its members.

“This truly is a historic day for Basin Electric and our state as a whole,” said North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong. “We produce a lot of reliable and clean energy in North Dakota, and we do it better than anywhere in the world. We are excited to add Bison Generation Station to our impressive fleet of power plants.” 

As demand for traditional energy increases, Bison Generation Station helps Basin Electric maintain reliability and adapt to an evolving energy landscape. This project is part of the cooperative’s all-of-the-above generation portfolio strategy, designed to ensure affordable and dependable power for members while mitigating market and operational risks.

The construction of Bison Generation Station is a historic achievement for Basin Electric. It stands as the cooperative’s largest natural gas‑fueled facility, its largest solely owned power plant, and the most significant generation investment in its history.

“We’re standing in a moment where we can recognize history is happening,” said Gavin McCollam, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Basin Electric. “Bison Generation Station represents not just an investment in infrastructure, but a commitment to reliability, collaboration, and the long-term energy needs of our members.”

PCL Construction was awarded the general contractor bid for the facility. Grading and site preparation began in August 2025. At peak construction in mid-2027, the project is expected to require a workforce of approximately 1,000 craft workers and field engineers. Once completed, the facility will employ approximately 50 full-time staff for operations, maintenance, and administration. The power plant is anticipated to be fully operational in 2030.