DICKINSON, ND. June 29, 2015: Governor Jack Dalrymple joined hundreds of people today in celebrating the Grand Opening of Dakota Prairie Refining, the first greenfield fuels refinery to be built in the United States in nearly 40 years.
The Dakota Prairie refinery which began construction in March 2013 and operation on May 4, 2015, is currently operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The plant is located on a 318-acre site in Stark County, approximately 4 miles west of Dickinson, ND. The site was selected for its proximity to critical infrastructure such as water, sewer, natural gas, electricity, rail and highway.
The refinery is a joint venture of WBI Energy, Inc. a part of the MDU Resources Group, Inc. and Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P.
The refinery is capable of processing 20,000 barrels of Bakken crude oil per day (delivered primarily by pipeline), producing:
• 1/3 high quality diesel fuel (about 7,000 barrels per day)
• 1/3 naphtha (about 6,500 barrels per day)
• 1/3 atmospheric bottom (TBs) (about 6,000 barrels per day)
Naphtha and ATBs will be shipped by rail to other facilities for use or further processing
Approximately 300 bpd of natural gas liquids; will be trucked to a nearby natural gas processing facility partially owned by WBI Energy.
"This facility will help improve the state's diesel supply, and over time has the potential to be an important contributor to the economic growth of the local and state economy," Dave Goodin, MDU Resources president and CEO, said at the refinery's grand opening today. "All of this is possible because of the support of local and state officials and agencies, and the economic development climate they have created in North Dakota."
"The Dakota Prairie Refinery is another example of the great progress we're making in North Dakota to create good jobs, diversify our economy and to help meet the energy needs of our state and the nation," Dalrymple said. "The development of another fuel refinery in North Dakota has been a long-time goal, and I applaud MDU Resources and Calumet for this major achievement – the completion of the nation's first greenfield fuel refinery in nearly 40 years."
North Dakota U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp said, "As North Dakota continues to be a national leader in energy development, we have to make sure we're not only meeting the energy needs of today but also investing in the future. MDU Resources and Calumet have clearly taken a forward-looking approach by committing to this significant Dakota Prairie refinery project, showing that our state's oil play in the Bakken is not just a short-term boom, but rather a valuable resource for North Dakota for decades to come. Building out our energy infrastructure is one of the most important ways we can help secure North American energy security and independence, and I'll keep working to make sure we invest in a true, all-of-the-above energy strategy."
North Dakota U.S. Representative Kevin Cramer said, "The American 'can-do' attitude and willingness to risk capital for an opportunity to make money continues to make North Dakota a place where dreams can happen. Thank you once again, MDU and Calumet, for your willingness to take a risk in North Dakota."
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