The Milton R. Young Station near Center. Courtesy photo
Project Tundra is moving forward under an updated development structure that expands the role of an experienced carbon capture developer and creates new opportunities for carbon dioxide utilization in North Dakota.
Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage LLC will assume responsibility for development, ownership and operation of the carbon capture facility planned at Minnkota Power Cooperative’s coal-based Milton R. Young Station near Center. Reliant’s management team brings more than 30 years of experience delivering emissions-control technologies for coal-based power plants.
Project Tundra is designed to capture up to 5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually from Young Station, helping the facility meet evolving environmental requirements while preserving a reliable source of electricity for Minnkota’s member cooperatives.
Minnkota will remain responsible for CO2 storage, including management of its permitted geologic storage facilities and engagement with landowners.
Minnkota and Reliant also are exploring opportunities to use captured CO2 for enhanced oil recovery in North Dakota. Research by the Energy & Environmental Research Center estimates the Bakken could require as much as 100 million tons of CO2 annually to support future production gains through enhanced oil recovery.
“The updated development structure and emerging CO2 utilization opportunities strengthen the long-term potential of Project Tundra,” Minnkota President and CEO Mac McLennan said. “The addition of carbon capture technologies at the Young Station would help preserve the value of the facility while delivering economic and environmental benefits.”
Reliant CEO Thomas McCarthy said the company looks forward to working with Minnkota to advance the project using technology designed to capture CO2 reliably and cost-effectively.
Development activities are expected to continue through next year, with a final investment decision anticipated in 2027.
