March 31, 2021
New life for Coal Creek Station
BY RALPH MANCINI
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Coal Creek Station seems to be on the path of continuing its coal-power operation, as a new investor has emerged to buy the facility and its transmission line. Last Thursday’s much-anticipated announcement saw Gov. Doug Burgum term the development as “wonderful news” for the local communities of McLean County and the entire state of North Dakota, with the prospect of hundreds of jobs being saved as a result.
And if preserving a combined 690 jobs at Coal Creek and lignite supplier Falkirk Mine isn’t enough to stoke the fires of local leaders, the interested buyer’s plans to advance carbon capture efforts promises to deliver additional employment opportunities down the line.
