The Pioneer Generation Station (PGS) in North Dakota is undergoing a significant expansion, known as Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV (PGSIV), to bolster its power generation capabilities. This expansion project underscores the increasing demand for reliable and flexible power sources and represents a substantial investment in the region’s energy infrastructure. Owned and operated by Basin Electric, the PGSIV project is set to add 600MW of power to the existing facility, bringing the total generation capacity to approximately 800MW upon completion. This enhancement will play a crucial role in meeting the growing electricity needs of Basin Electric’s member cooperatives and ensuring grid stability in the face of increasing energy consumption.
Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV (PGSIV) expansion project site in North Dakota, US
Strategically located near Williston, North Dakota, in the heart of the Bakken region, the Pioneer Generation Station expansion benefits from its proximity to natural gas resources and existing infrastructure. This location is pivotal for Basin Electric, making PGSIV its largest single-site generation project since the 1980s. The expansion is not just about increasing capacity; it’s about implementing advanced technologies to ensure efficient and flexible power generation.
The PGSIV expansion is being developed in two phases. Phase one is designed to contribute 360MW, while phase two will add a further 250MW. Phase one includes the installation of a Siemens STG6-5000F simple-cycle combustion gas turbine, capable of generating up to 250MW, and six Wärtsilä W18V50SG reciprocating internal combustion gas engines, which will collectively produce about 108MW. A critical component of phase one is the construction of a new 15-mile 345kV transmission line to integrate the additional power into the grid. Phase two will see the addition of another Siemens STG6-5000F simple-cycle combustion turbine, mirroring the first phase in its capacity to generate up to 250MW. The entire project also includes the construction of a new switchyard and essential operations and maintenance buildings on the site.
Construction site of Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV (PGSIV) expansion in North Dakota, USA, September 2023
The selection of turbines and engines for the Pioneer Generation Station expansion highlights a focus on both high capacity and operational flexibility. The Siemens SGT6-5000F gas turbine is renowned for its robust design and ability to deliver up to 260MW of power. Its simple cycle efficiency of 40% is complemented by its rapid start-up and shutdown capabilities, reaching full operational speed in just five minutes. This turbine is designed for various operational modes, from peak demand to baseload power generation, and maintains efficiency even at partial loads. Furthermore, its fuel flexibility allows it to operate on a wide range of fuels, including natural gas, LNG, and even fuels with high hydrogen content, ensuring adaptability to future fuel trends.
Wärtsilä W18V50SG gas engines being installed at Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV (PGSIV) in North Dakota
Complementing the Siemens turbine, the Wärtsilä W18V50SG gas engines bring their own set of advantages to the Pioneer Generation Station. These reciprocating internal combustion engines are known for their high efficiency and operational flexibility, particularly in part-load conditions and rapid start-stop cycles. The use of multiple engines allows for modular operation and maintenance, enhancing the overall reliability and availability of the power plant. These engines are particularly well-suited for providing the dispatch flexibility needed to manage fluctuating energy demands and support the integration of variable renewable energy sources into the grid.
Burns & McDonnell is the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPC) contractor for the PGSIV expansion project, bringing their expertise in large-scale energy infrastructure projects to ensure its successful execution. Wärtsilä was awarded the contract to supply the six 50SG gas engines in January 2023, highlighting their role as a key technology provider for this expansion. Basin Electric, as the owner and operator, is overseeing the entire project, ensuring it aligns with their strategic goals to provide reliable and cost-effective power to their member cooperatives.
Groundbreaking ceremony for Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV (PGSIV) expansion, September 2023, North Dakota
The Pioneer Generation Station itself has a history of addressing the energy needs of North Dakota. Unit 1 commenced operations in 2013, with Units 2 and 3 following in 2014. These units primarily utilize natural gas supplied by the Dakota Gasification Company, transported via the Northern Border Pipeline. Phase III of the station, completed in 2017, added 12 natural gas-based reciprocating engines, each with a capacity of 9.3MW, further demonstrating the station’s commitment to utilizing efficient and flexible technologies.
The PGSIV expansion, with an investment of approximately $800 million, is a critical project for meeting the anticipated electricity demand growth of Basin Electric’s member cooperatives by 2025 and beyond. The flexible nature of the new natural gas-fueled generation units is essential for maintaining grid stability and reliability, especially as the energy landscape evolves and incorporates more intermittent renewable energy sources. The project is on track to begin commercial operations in phases, starting in 2025 and fully operational by 2026, marking a significant milestone in North Dakota’s energy infrastructure and ensuring a stable power supply for the region.
