EPISODE · Jan 7, 2026 · 43 MIN
Justin Kringstad The Bakken Backbone: Building North Dakota's Energy Infrastructure
from Open Range · host garyemineth
In this episode of Open Range, host Gary Emineth interviews Justin Kringstad, Director of the North Dakota Pipeline Authority, about the state's critical pipeline infrastructure and ambitious expansion plans. Established in 2007, the Pipeline Authority operates as a non-regulatory agency supporting energy development across North Dakota's Bakken region. Kringstad explains that natural gas is produced alongside crude oil extraction—similar to fizz in a soda bottle. As Bakken wells age, they produce increasingly more natural gas, creating infrastructure challenges. Currently, North Dakota has over 31,000 miles of pipeline carrying crude oil, natural gas, refined products, and CO2. The state also hosts North America's largest natural gas storage field in the southwest corner, with 193 billion cubic feet of capacity. The centerpiece of the discussion is the Bakken East project—a game-changing $1+ billion pipeline initiative by WBI Energy (part of MDU Resources). This massive undertaking will transport up to one billion cubic feet of natural gas daily from Watford City to Fargo, with a branch to Ellendale. The 36-inch pipeline will finally bring natural gas to underserved eastern North Dakota communities while supporting large-scale industrial development. The North Dakota Legislature has committed up to $50 million annually as a "capacity bridge" to help secure the project, though the goal is to transfer this capacity to private sector users before the 2030 completion date. The pipeline will enable power generation facilities, data centers requiring gigawatt-scale energy, and industrial projects like iron ore processing near Minot.This infrastructure expansion positions North Dakota to consume its energy resources locally, creating jobs and economic opportunities while ensuring the long-term viability of the state's oil and gas sector. The project represents a fundamental shift from exporting energy to building in-state industrial capacity. #naturalgas #bakken #Crudeoil #fossilfuels #energy #pipeline
What this episode covers
In this episode of Open Range, host Gary Emineth interviews Justin Kringstad, Director of the North Dakota Pipeline Authority, about the state's critical pipeline infrastructure and ambitious expansion plans. Established in 2007, the Pipeline Authority operates as a non-regulatory agency supporting energy development across North Dakota's Bakken region. Kringstad explains that natural gas is produced alongside crude oil extraction—similar to fizz in a soda bottle. As Bakken wells age, they produce increasingly more natural gas, creating infrastructure challenges. Currently, North Dakota has over 31,000 miles of pipeline carrying crude oil, natural gas, refined products, and CO2. The state also hosts North America's largest natural gas storage field in the southwest corner, with 193 billion cubic feet of capacity. The centerpiece of the discussion is the Bakken East project—a game-changing $1+ billion pipeline initiative by WBI Energy (part of MDU Resources). This massive undertaking will transport up to one billion cubic feet of natural gas daily from Watford City to Fargo, with a branch to Ellendale. The 36-inch pipeline will finally bring natural gas to underserved eastern North Dakota communities while supporting large-scale industrial development. The North Dakota Legislature has committed up to $50 million annually as a "capacity bridge" to help secure the project, though the goal is to transfer this capacity to private sector users before the 2030 completion date. The pipeline will enable power generation facilities, data centers requiring gigawatt-scale energy, and industrial projects like iron ore processing near Minot.This infrastructure expansion positions North Dakota to consume its energy resources locally, creating jobs and economic opportunities while ensuring the long-term viability of the state's oil and gas sector. The project represents a fundamental shift from exporting energy to building in-state industrial capacity. #naturalgas #bakken #Crudeoil #fossilfuels #energy #pipeline
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Justin Kringstad The Bakken Backbone: Building North Dakota's Energy Infrastructure
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