The vast expanses of South Dakota have long been integral to America’s energy infrastructure, providing a vital corridor for pipelines that crisscross the heartland. As states like North Dakota seek to overhaul their natural gas distribution networks, South Dakota’s role in the conversation cannot be understated. The proposed Bakken East pipeline promises not just to revitalize North Dakota, but also to potentially benefit South Dakota’s energy landscape.
This narrative unusually begins in Grand Forks, a city nearly left without natural gas on a frigid winter day due to a malfunction in a pipeline originating from Canada. The incident, linked to a rupture in Manitoba on January 25, 2014, underscored the precariousness of relying on a single energy source. Todd Feland, Grand Forks City Administrator, emphasized the necessity for redundancy, noting, “having abundant natural gas opens so many opportunities for the community.”
In response, city leaders have turned their attention to the Bakken East project, a proposed pipeline extending from the oil-rich Bakken fields to Mapleton, North Dakota. Backed by a substantial $500 million state funding commitment over ten years, this initiative has captured the attention of regional stakeholders, including South Dakota’s economic developers.
South Dakota’s geographic proximity to this unfolding energy saga adds significance to the pipeline’s anticipated outcome. The state could benefit from decreased reliance on coal, thanks to new natural gas availability, supporting sectors like agriculture and technology. Moreover, the synergy between North Dakota’s energy projects and South Dakota’s agricultural economy epitomizes the growing interdependence within the region.
The North Dakota Industrial Commission has prioritized the project, committing $50 million annually starting in 2025 to secure capacity on the pipeline. Meanwhile, exploring routes toward Grand Forks from Mapleton remains a topic of keen interest. The pipeline itself is designed to transport one billion cubic feet of natural gas daily upon completion in 2030, stimulating discussions about further extensions. Ron Ness of the North Dakota Petroleum Council noted, “once you get natural gas in the region, your manufacturing, value-add, and commercial opportunities will grow.”
Kelly Armstrong
Parallel to these developments, South Dakota legislative leaders, aware of the state’s potential role in this infrastructure expansion, are actively monitoring progress. The prospect of interconnected natural gas systems could transform energy dynamics, reducing dependency on out-of-state resources while supporting local industries.
Natural gas constraints have not yet caused Grand Forks to lose business, but the additional supply from projects like Bakken East is crucial for future regional expansion. Particularly for South Dakota, enhancing local energy resources aligns with interests in supporting burgeoning industries such as agribusiness and data centers, sectors already pivotal to the state’s economic health.
Moreover, the potential reduction in natural gas flaring, a practice wasteful and environmentally detrimental, places South Dakota at the forefront of a paradigm shift towards more sustainable energy practices. Governor Kelly Armstrong argues that creating a destination for unused natural gas “means oil producers can maintain and increase their output, versus having to curtail production to stay within state goals for reducing flaring.”
With the Bakken East project expected to be completed by 2030, and plans potentially extending to South Dakota after integration into the North Dakota system, the interplay between these states could redefine their economic landscapes. South Dakota’s involvement could generate long-term benefits, from job creation in pipeline construction to sustained economic growth in energy sectors.
The wider implications of these developments invite optimism, with the potential for jobs, environmental benefits, and a more stable energy supply chain fostering growth narratives across both Dakotas. It remains a defining period for stakeholders, who must navigate these opportunities with vision and foresight to capitalize on the shared regional prospects.