Ormat Technologies constructed a waste heat recovery generation project 10 miles NE of Culbertson, MT. This project recovers heat generated by compressors on the Northern Border Pipeline. Ormat will own and operate the project and Basin Electric has contracted to purchase the output for 25 years. The project is capable of generating 5.5 MW and was completed in 2009.
In June 2009, Flathead Electric Cooperative completed construction of a 1.6 MW electric generator that runs using landfill gas. The biomass process will capture and filter landfill gas from the Flathead County Solid Waste District landfill to remove liquid and particulates, then burn it in a 20-cylinder engine. This gas was previously flared, as required by law. The energy facility cost approximately $3.5 million to construct and Flathead Electric expects to recoup this investment within 15 years.