Intensity Infrastructure Partners and Rainbow Energy Center have confirmed their intention to move forward with phase one of a 344-mile-long natural gas pipeline in North Dakota, US.
The decision on the 36in phase one pipeline was driven by binding transportation commitments contained in executed precedent agreements.
According to Intensity Infrastructure Partners, the decision builds on the project framework that was announced in June 2025.
The natural gas pipeline project is set to be completed in two phases. The planned in-service date for the initial phase is scheduled for early 2029.
Phase one of the pipeline will involve laying out 136 miles of natural gas transmission pipeline. It is designed to transport roughly 1,100,000 dekatherms per day (Dth/d), with ample room to facilitate increased transportation demand.
The pipeline is set to start near Watford City and end near Washburn in North Dakota.
Phase two is expected to lengthen the pipeline by 208 miles between Washburn and Casselton in North Dakota, using a 30in segment that can move 430,000Dth/d.
Intensity Infrastructure Partners expects the pipeline system to provide a reliable supply of natural gas via multiple receipt points. These include Northern Border Pipeline, WBI Energy's transmission and storage systems, and direct links to six Bakken natural gas processing plants.
Furthermore, the new pipeline will serve as a flexible power and gas delivery hub, designed to meet evolving market needs and support data centre expansion, grid reliability and industrial growth across the state, said the company.
This set-up ensures a well-integrated supply chain, drawing from both Bakken and Canadian production sources.
The pipeline's design omits compression fuel surcharges, thereby simplifying operations and ensuring transparency in tariffs for shippers.
Uncommitted capacity in phase one will support additional gas-fired electricity generation along the pipeline route and at Coal Creek Station, effectively utilising existing power transmission infrastructure.
This project positions the pipeline to handle future throughput increases without requiring additional greenfield infrastructure.
Rainbow Energy Center CEO Stacy Tschider said: “Advancing a phased pipeline with available capacity gives us the flexibility to respond to demand as it materialises, while maintaining the reliability and operational certainty large power users require.
“By leveraging established assets like Coal Creek and integrating directly with basin supply and interstate systems, this project is positioned to meet near-term needs while remaining expandable for the next generation of load growth.”
