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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Lignite in North Dakota

Conference ·
OSTI ID:257020
 [1]
  1. Lignite Energy Council, Bismarck, ND (United States)
The State of North Dakota and the lignite industry are working together in a partnership called the Lignite Research, Development and Marketing Program. The program provides funds and supports activities which: preserve and enhance jobs and lignite production; ensure economic growth, stability and opportunity; and maintain a stable and competitive tax base. Since 1987, 70 grants totaling $24 million have been awarded. Each program dollar has resulted in nearly five of matching dollars. These program investments have yielded returns for the state and industry, including an additional $20 million annually from by-products at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant; about $1 million annually from improved reclamation practices; and combustion options, which preserve 2,000 megawatts of existing generation capacity. Research activities have identified future opportunities, including: the SynCoal demonstration plant, requiring 800,000 tons per year of new production; new chemical feedstock by-products from Great Plains worth an additional $26 million annually; revised reclamation practices that could substantially reduce cost; and potential new markets for upgraded lignite of about 12 million tons annually. This program helps ensure a healthy future for the North Dakota lignite industry, which currently represents 10% of the state`s total economic base. Such a program is important because it will encourage the development of new and better uses of North Dakota`s most abundant resource--lignite coal.
OSTI ID:
257020
Report Number(s):
CONF-950952--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English