Generator and turbine arrive at Pioneer Generation Station

Equipment continues to arrive at Pioneer Generation Station Phase IV (PGSIV), Basin Electric’s largest generation project being built in North Dakota since the 1980s. Weighing in at over 700,000 pounds, the generator arrived on Feb 12. Manufactured by Siemens Energy in Charlotte, North Carolina, it traveled by rail to Williston, North Dakota. 

Following the arrival of the generator, a simple-cycle combustion turbine arrived at PGSIV on Feb. 19. The turbine, weighing approximately 470,000 pounds, was shipped from the Siemens factory in Berlin, Germany. It arrived at the Port of Houston and was then transported by rail to Williston. The turbine will be fueled by natural gas generating 235 megawatts of electricity to serve a growing member load. 

Both the turbine and generator traveled the last 20 miles from the Trenton Rail Yard located southwest of Williston to the site via special heavy haul transport tractor/trailers. “Each delivery was executed as planned with no issues,” said Jim Lund, Basin Electric senior mechanical engineer and project coordinator. 

Installation will start right away, with the turbine and generator being set on their foundations inside the combustion turbine building. From there, rotor blades will be installed prior to unit startup. Including commissioning, installation will take approximately ten to eleven months to complete. 

After the turbine is installed, next steps at PGSIV include completing: 

• the turbine inlet and outlet ductwork including stack;
• turbine auxiliary component installation along with mechanical, electrical, and structural work in the turbine building;
• the 345-kV switchyard and Pioneer Generation Station-to-Judson transmission line; and
• the new fuel supply pipeline and gas yard from the WBI Energy terminal to Pioneer Generation Station. 

PGSIV is planned to be in service in 2025.