Project Tundra announces updated development structure and expanded economic opportunities

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (August 13, 2026) – Project Tundra is continuing forward under an updated joint development structure that brings an experienced carbon capture project developer into a larger role while creating new opportunities for carbon dioxide (CO2) utilization in North Dakota.

Under the revised structure, Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage, LLC (Reliant) will assume responsibility for the development, ownership and operation of the carbon capture facility planned at the coal-based Milton R. Young Station near Center, North Dakota (Young Station). Reliant’s management team brings more than 30 years of experience delivering emissions-control technologies for coal-based power plants. Reliant currently has multiple carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) projects in process.

Reliant, the exclusive channel partner for Baker Hughes’ Chart cryogenic carbon capture technology at U.S. coal-fired power plants, pairs that equipment with its proprietary approach to carbon capture project development, offering advantages over previously evaluated approaches. Because the majority of the capture system can be manufactured offsite and assembled at the plant location, the design is expected to materially improve operational efficiency and reduce construction risks.

Project Tundra is designed to capture up to 5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually from the Young Station, helping position the station to meet evolving environmental requirements while preserving a reliable source of electricity for Minnkota’s member cooperatives.

Minnkota will maintain responsibility for CO2 storage activities, including management of its permitted geologic storage facilities and ongoing engagement with project landowners.

In addition to carbon storage, Minnkota and Reliant are pursuing opportunities to utilize captured CO2 for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations in North Dakota. The Project Tundra team is working with oilfield partners to evaluate the use of CO2 captured through Project Tundra to increase North Dakota oil production while creating an additional market for captured emissions.

According to research conducted by the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC), CO2-based EOR represents a multibillion-dollar economic opportunity for North Dakota. The EERC estimates that the Bakken could require as much as 100 million tons of CO2 annually to support future production gains through EOR applications. With CO2 supply being one of the largest limiting factors for North Dakota EOR production, Project Tundra serves a vital role in bridging this gap.

“The updated development structure and emerging CO2 utilization opportunities strengthen the long-term potential of Project Tundra,” said Mac McLennan, Minnkota president and CEO. “The addition of carbon capture technologies at the Young Station would help preserve the value of the facility while delivering economic and environmental benefits, supporting North Dakota’s energy economy and maintaining reliable, affordable electricity for our members.”

“We are proud to expand Reliant’s role in Project Tundra and to bring our carbon capture project development expertise to the Milton R. Young Station,” said Thomas McCarthy, CEO of Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage, LLC. “Our approach is designed to capture CO2 reliably and cost-effectively while helping preserve reliable, affordable baseload electricity, and we look forward to working alongside Minnkota to advance one of the most significant carbon capture projects in the country.”

The Project Tundra developers are committed to open lines of communication with landowners, community members and other key stakeholders. A project landowner meeting was held in July 2026 to provide updates, answer questions and receive feedback.

Development activities for Project Tundra are expected to continue through next year, with a final investment decision anticipated in 2027.