Two natural gas pipeline projects could mean greater use of Bakken natural gas.

A pipeline company plans to convert a crude oil pipeline carrying Bakken oil to Guernsey, Wyoming, into a liquefied natural gas pipeline.

Kinder Morgan plans to rebuild the “Double H” pipeline by 2026.

State Pipeline Authority Director Justin Kringstad said the line carries 48,000 barrels of oil a day. He said there are other options for the oil – and the change is good news for the Williston Basin.

“This is certainly a big win for the basin as we continue to look at natural gas infrastructure holistically, from extraction and processing to dry gas and LPG transmission,” Kringstad said. “All of this will need to be aligned going forward.”

Kringstad said while this is a start, more infrastructure is needed.

“We have some of the richest natural gas reserves,” Kringstad said. “That means the highest proportions of propane, butane and LPG contained in the gas as it rises from the reservoir. Bakken is world class. And we have a tremendous need to process and separate those liquids, and we need to build infrastructure to transport and market those liquids, not just here in the U.S. but for export.”

Wahpeton Expansion

Meanwhile, work continues on a new natural gas pipeline that will serve Wahpeton and Kindred.

The Wahpeton Extension runs from the WBI compressor station near Mapleton to Wahpeton.

Kringstad said the pipeline is expected to come into operation in the fourth quarter of this year.

“This is going to be a big win for this southeast part of the state because they’re going to have access to a reliable supply of natural gas,” Kringstad said. “In the past, the supply of natural gas from another source has been interrupted. So I’m looking forward to it.”

The project may also include “farm taps” along the route.