Submitted Photo Basin Electric leaders and partners cut the ribbon at Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV near Willison on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The approximately 580-megawatt natural gas facility strengthens reliability for members across the region.

WILLISTON – Basin Electric Power Cooperative held a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 15, to celebrate the completion of Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV (PGSIV), the largest single-site electric generation project built in North Dakota in more than 40 years.

The addition of the approximately 580-megawatt natural gas-fueled facility, located northwest of Williston, brings the total capacity of Pioneer Generation Station to more than 800-megawatts, according to Basin Electric information. The site combines combustion turbines and reciprocating engine units, giving Basin Electric flexibility to respond to traditional member load growth and demand while ensuring long-term grid stability. Burns and McDonnell served as the engineering, procurement, and construction lead on the project.

Gavin McCollam, Basin Electric senior vice president and chief operating officer, said the successful completion of PGSIV reflects the strength and expertise of Basin Electric’s project teams.

“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,” McCollam said in a news release. “They skillfully met every challenge, and the end result aligns with our mission to provide energy to rural America.”

PGSIV marks Basin Electric’s largest North Dakota generation investment since the 1980s, requiring more than 1.6 million work-hours and drawing subcontractors and craft professionals from across the country, with construction staffing peaking at close to 500 workers. The facility now employs staff 24/7 to ensure reliable operations, Basin Electric reported.