Pipeline Partnership - June 26, 2025
Intensity Infrastructure Partners, LLC and Rainbow Energy Center, LLC Announce Strategic Partnership to Develop a Natural Gas Pipeline Connecting North Dakota to Growth Opportunities from West to East
Bismarck, ND — Intensity Infrastructure Partners, LLC (“Intensity”), a Tulsa, OK-based leader in midstream infrastructure development, and Rainbow Energy Center, LLC (“Rainbow”), an independent power producer based in Bismarck, ND, today announced a partnership to develop a natural gas pipeline from the resource-rich Bakken to eastern North Dakota. This joint effort provides an opportunity for North Dakota to further utilize its natural resources within the state.
The pipeline will provide expanded takeaway capacity for associated natural gas produced in the Williston Basin. By enabling in-state processing and transportation of natural gas, the project will help reduce flaring, unlock new oil production, and generate increased tax revenues for the state of North Dakota.
“This project represents a long term investment in North Dakota’s energy future,” said Stacy Tschider, CEO of Rainbow. “A pipeline of this size directly supports the state’s goals to grow all energy production responsibly while capturing greater economic value for our citizens.”
“We’re excited to work with Rainbow to enhance the state’s ability to monetize its natural gas resources locally,” said Joseph Griffin, CEO of Intensity. “The state has been seeking a project of this size with a customer like Rainbow for nearly a decade. We’re proud to be part of the solution to extend the longevity of the Bakken and create new opportunities for energy and agriculture across North Dakota.”
“Intensity’s project will support communities statewide and help ensure a stable, reliable energy future by distributing the abundant natural gas resources of western North Dakota across the state,” said Jeff Hume, Vice Chairman of Strategic Growth Initiatives at Continental Resources, Inc. “It marks a major milestone in strengthening North Dakota’s energy infrastructure.”
The project will be completed in two phases:
- Phase I includes construction of 136 miles of 36-inch natural gas transmission pipeline, with a capacity of approximately 1,100,000 Dth/d, originating near Watford City, ND, and terminating near Washburn, ND.
- Phase II extends the pipeline 208 miles from Washburn to Casselton, ND, with a 30-inch segment capable of transporting 430,000 Dth/d and providing access to numerous delivery points along the route.
The target in-service date is July 2029, though the timeline may be accelerated based on market demand and permitting progress. In anticipation of additional growth, the pipeline will reserve capacity for future, unannounced projects along the route.
New ownership group to pursue carbon capture - June 30, 2021
Underwood, N.D. – After 40 years serving Minnesota cooperative members, North Dakota’s largest and most efficient power plant will continue operations under local ownership.
Rainbow Energy Center, LLC (Rainbow Energy Center) has reached an agreement to purchase Coal Creek Station from Great River Energy and operate the 1,151-megawatt (MW) power plant using current plant employees they hire.
Nexus Line, LLC (Nexus Line) has reached an agreement to purchase the high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system that extends between central North Dakota and Minnesota from Great River Energy.
Rainbow Energy Center and Nexus Line are affiliates of Rainbow Energy Marketing Corporation of Bismarck, North Dakota.
The purchase of Coal Creek Station and the HVDC system is expected to close later this year, after required approvals are obtained.
Rainbow Energy Center plans to focus on baseload energy from Coal Creek Station with carbon capture and incremental generation from renewables to fully utilize the capacity of the HVDC transmission system. Combined, these diverse energy sources are essential to ensuring the electric grid remains reliable and has sufficient energy for consumers that can be drawn upon when needed.
“Carbon capture and storage is vital to continued operation of Coal Creek Station and will be an important step toward Gov. Doug Burgum’s goal for the state to reach carbon neutrality by 2030,” said Rainbow Energy Marketing Corporation President Stacy L. Tschider. “Rainbow Energy Marketing Corporation has 28 years of experience in power marketing throughout North America. We are committed to providing competitive and reliable power to consumers. As a privately held company, we are uniquely positioned to actively pursue customers that purchase power on the open market, which includes power purchased by Great River Energy.”
“Purchasing energy and capacity from Rainbow was not in our original plan, but it will serve as a reliable steppingstone in our power supply transition,” said Great River Energy President and Chief Executive Officer David Saggau. “We are excited for what the future holds for the communities surrounding Coal Creek Station, which have been very supportive of the plant. We are proud of the good work of our North Dakota employees and know they will deliver for Rainbow just as well.”
The purchase of Coal Creek Station by Rainbow Energy Center preserves jobs in the community, including jobs at the Falkirk mine, and supports the state and local economy.
“Great River Energy has been a fantastic partner throughout this process. They have shown a strong commitment to their people and the region and this tradition will continue within our company,” says Tschider. “The employees at Coal Creek Station are known for their innovation in the industry. We are looking forward to not only building upon this history but taking it to a whole new level.”
The sales and purchase agreements will become the latest step in Great River Energy’s power supply transition. The cooperative plans to add 900 MW of wind energy before the end of 2023 and modify the 99- MW coal and natural gas-based Spiritwood Station power plant to be fueled primarily by natural gas.