June 27, 2025 [Business Wire]- Intensity Infrastructure Partners, LLC (“Intensity”), a Tulsa, OK-based leader in midstream infrastructure development, and Rainbow Energy Center, LLC (“Rainbow”), an independent power producer based in Bismarck, ND, today announced a partnership to develop a natural gas pipeline from the resource-rich Bakken to eastern North Dakota. This joint effort provides an opportunity for North Dakota to further utilize its natural resources within the state.

The pipeline will provide expanded takeaway capacity for associated natural gas produced in the Williston Basin. By enabling in-state processing and transportation of natural gas, the project will help reduce flaring, unlock new oil production, and generate increased tax revenues for the state of North Dakota.

“This project represents a long-term investment in North Dakota’s energy future,” said Stacy Tschider, CEO of Rainbow. “A pipeline of this size directly supports the state’s goals to grow all energy production responsibly while capturing greater economic value for our citizens.”

“We’re excited to work with Rainbow to enhance the state’s ability to monetize its natural gas resources locally,” said Joseph Griffin, CEO of Intensity. “The state has been seeking a project of this size with a customer like Rainbow for nearly a decade. We’re proud to be part of the solution to extend the longevity of the Bakken and create new opportunities for energy and agriculture across North Dakota.”

“Intensity’s project will support communities statewide and help ensure a stable, reliable energy future by distributing the abundant natural gas resources of western North Dakota across the state,” said Jeff Hume, Vice Chairman of Strategic Growth Initiatives at Continental Resources, Inc. “It marks a major milestone in strengthening North Dakota’s energy infrastructure.”

The project will be completed in two phases:

• Phase I includes construction of 136 miles of 36-inch natural gas transmission pipeline, with a capacity of approximately 1,100,000 Dth/d, 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-inch segment capable of transporting 430,000 Dth/d and providing access to numerous delivery points along the route.

The target in-service date is July 2029, though the timeline may be accelerated based on market demand and permitting progress. In anticipation of additional growth, the pipeline will reserve capacity for future, unannounced projects along the route.