Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV now in operation

After years of planning, construction, and teamwork, Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV (PGSIV) is now officially complete, marking a major milestone in Basin Electric’s commitment to delivering reliable electricity to its members.

The new natural gas-fueled generation facility is a combination of combustion turbine and reciprocating engine units that provide dispatch flexibility while addressing near-term load growth and long-term grid stability in the Bakken region. Located near the existing Pioneer Generation Station northwest of Williston, North Dakota, PGSIV is Basin Electric’s largest generation project built in North Dakota since the 1980s. It will generate approximately 580 megawatts (MW) of electricity. 

Gavin McCollam, Basin Electric senior vice president and chief operating officer, said the successful completion of the PGSIV project – on time, under budget, and with a great safety record – is exactly what the team strives for every single time. “They skillfully met every challenge and the end result aligns with our mission to provide energy to rural America.” 

The project relied on a broad and dedicated workforce, drawing subcontractors and craft professionals from across the country, with onsite staffing peaking in the upper four hundreds and over 1.2 million work hours logged. Now in operation, the facility has employees on-site 24 hours a day.