Bison Generation Station receives air permit

On Dec. 29, 2025, the Department of Environmental Quality issued an air permit for the Bison Generation Station project, the first natural gas fired combined cycle plant to be built in North Dakota.

“The issuance of the air construction permit is the culmination of significant efforts not just by Basin Electric’s permitting and development team, but also by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality,” Erin Dukart, director of Environmental Services, said. 

Receiving the air permit is one of the most critical milestones to date for the Bison Generation Station. “From the inception of the project, the team considered this permit during site selection, when selecting technology and plant configuration, and when developing the construction plan,” Chris Bauer, Basin Electric structural engineering supervisor, said. “With the air permit and other approvals from Williams County, construction activities are underway, starting with the installation of driven steel pile foundations.”

Other upcoming construction tasks include mobilization of additional offices, tools, and equipment; layout and installation of underground electrical duct banks and mechanical piping; and major concrete foundation installation throughout the year to support equipment deliveries in later 2026.

Located near the towns of Epping and Ray, in Williams County, North Dakota, the Bison Generation Station project is one of the largest investments in generation ever undertaken by Basin Electric and is designed to support rising electricity demand across the region. Once complete, the two natural gas fired combined cycle generation units are expected to generate approximately 1,490 megawatts of electricity.