North Dakota

High-voltage substation construction and transformer work across North Dakota. Here is the grid ESS operates in.

How North Dakota makes its power

Coal is North Dakota's largest source of electricity, supplying roughly half of in-state generation from lignite-fired plants near the state's western coal fields. Wind provides close to a third and continues to grow, while hydropower from the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River and natural gas make up most of the remainder. The state generates far more electricity than it consumes and exports the surplus to neighboring states.

Grid challenges

North Dakota's strongest wind resources sit far from population centers, so moving that generation to market depends on long high-voltage transmission lines, several of which are in development, including new 345kV projects. The state's grid is split between the MISO and SPP markets, which adds coordination and interconnection complexity along the seam between them. Rural distances and the pace of new transmission approval remain ongoing constraints on further wind buildout.

Major utilities and grid operators

  • Basin Electric Power Cooperative
  • Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU)
  • Otter Tail Power Company
  • Minnkota Power Cooperative
  • Great River Energy
  • Western Area Power Administration (WAPA)
  • MISO and SPP

Sources

Substation work in North Dakota?

Tell us the voltage class, the site, and the timeline. ESS mobilizes across the West.

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