MDU Takes FID on $2.7B to $3.2B Bakken East Gas Pipeline in North Dakota
The board of MDU Resources Group reached a positive final investment decision on Sept. 30 to build WBI Energy’s Bakken East Pipeline, a project estimated at $2.7 billion to $3.2 billion, according to the company’s press release.
What was announced
The line will have an initial design capacity of 1.4 Bcf per day and is designed with flexibility for future growth. MDU describes it as roughly 350 miles, running from the Bakken region in western North Dakota to a location near Fargo. WBI Energy’s project page, which has not been updated for the FID, still describes about 374 miles from near Watford City to the existing Mapleton compressor station, so the final mileage may differ from the figure in the release.
The company said the decision rests on secured customer commitments. The North Dakota Industrial Commission voted unanimously in August 2025 to support the project with a firm capacity commitment of $50 million per year for 10 years.
Schedule and scope
Construction is expected to occur over seasons in 2028 to 2030, with facilities placed in service in two phases. Phase one, from the Bakken to central North Dakota, is targeted for late 2029. Phase two, to an existing WBI Energy compressor station near Mapleton, has a target completion of late 2030.
The scope includes additions and modifications at three existing WBI Energy compressor stations and construction of four new compressor stations. MDU said it is still evaluating debt and equity financing structures, including potential partnership agreements.
What it means for subcontractors
The release does not name an engineering firm, EPC contractor or construction packages, and no bid stage has been announced. With work not scheduled to start until 2028, the near-term activity is likely to be land acquisition, routing, surveying and permitting support. WBI Energy’s project page lists Burns & McDonnell as the mailing address for project correspondence, but the sources do not say what role the firm holds in construction.
Pipeline, compression, civil and right-of-way contractors in the northern plains should watch for procurement notices from WBI Energy. Four new compressor stations and three station modifications point to electrical, mechanical and facilities work beyond the linear pipeline spread.
Regulatory status
WBI Energy’s project page lists a FERC pre-filing docket, PF26-4. The press release does not state that a FERC certificate has been issued, and the FID does not replace the regulatory approvals the project will still need. The schedule is forward-looking and depends on those approvals and on financing.
