Intensity Infrastructure Partners, Rainbow Energy Center to advance natural gas pipeline in North Dakota (U.S.)
Building on the project framework previously announced in June 2025, Intensity Infrastructure Partners LLC and Rainbow Energy Center LLC have confirmed that the firm transportation commitments contained in executed precedent agreements are sufficient to underpin the decision to advance Phase I of their 36-in. natural gas pipeline in North Dakota, reflecting growing confidence in the region’s long-term power and industrial demand outlook.
This approach establishes a scalable, dispatchable power and gas delivery hub capable of adapting to evolving market conditions, supporting sustained data center growth, grid reliability needs, and long-term industrial development across North Dakota.
Phase I of the pipeline will be constructed with a design capacity of approximately 1,100,000 Dth/d, with significant capacity available to accommodate firm transportation demand growth. The project is targeted for an in-service date in early 2029.
Phase I includes construction of 136 miles of 36-in. natural gas transmission pipeline, originating near Watford City, ND, and terminating near Washburn, ND.
Phase II extends the pipeline 208 miles from Washburn to Casselton, ND, with a 30-in. segment capable of transporting 430,000 Dth/d and providing access to numerous delivery points along the route.
The system will provide reliable natural gas supply through multiple receipt points, including Northern Border Pipeline, WBI Energy’s existing transmission and storage network, and direct connections to six Bakken natural gas processing plants, creating a highly integrated supply platform from Bakken and Canadian production. The pipeline is designed to operate without compression fuel surcharges, reducing operational complexity while enhancing reliability and tariff transparency for shippers.
Uncommitted capacity on Phase I supports incremental gas-fired generation along the planned pipeline corridor and at Coal Creek Station, leveraging existing power transmission infrastructure, a strategic geographic location, and a proven operating platform. The 36-inch pipeline enables future throughput increases without the need for duplicative greenfield infrastructure as demand continues to develop.
“Advancing a phased pipeline with available capacity gives us the flexibility to respond to demand as it materializes, while maintaining the reliability and operational certainty large power users require,” said Stacy Tschider, CEO of Rainbow. “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.”
“This coordinated participation across upstream production, natural gas infrastructure, and electric power generation provides a decisive, large-scale energy solution for North Dakota and is exactly how we will meet the state’s growing power and technology-driven demands,” said Jeff Hume, Vice Chairman of Strategic Growth Initiatives at Continental Resources.
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