WBI Energy Inc. proposed a natural gas pipeline from far western North Dakota to western Minnesota where it would connect with Viking Gas Transmission Co.’s pipeline system. The 400-MMcfd pipeline would increase pipeline takeaway capacity out of the Bakken shale and could be expanded to more than 500 MMcfd.
The pipeline’s current route would extend from about 20 miles southwest of Williston, ND, to a Viking Gas Transmission interconnection northeast of Moorhead, Minn. The system would consist mostly of 24-in. OD pipe and would include two compressor stations.
WBI will seek long-term capacity commitments on the proposed pipeline during an open season expected to begin late-summer. Pending sufficient commitments and necessary permits and regulatory approvals, construction of the new pipeline will begin in early 2016 and finish late that year.
WBI is also building the 20,000-b/d Dakota Prairie Refining diesel plant near Dickinson, ND, to process Bakken crude. The company expects the refinery to be complete by third-quarter 2014 (OGJ Online, Feb. 7, 2013).
The company expects the pipeline to cost $600-700 million.
Contact Christopher E. Smith at [email protected].
