What We Do

Lignite Energy Council's Teachers Seminar

June 8-11, 2020
Bismarck State College - Bismarck, ND

Education

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A state and lignite industry partnership

For every state dollar invested,
a total of six dollars is invested by other sources.

Research & Development

The Cornerstone of the Lignite Energy Council

To promote policies and direct activities
that maintain a viable lignite industry

Government Action

To increase the public’s knowledge and improve
the perception of our region’s lignite industry

Public Relations & Marketing

News

#CoalStrong Stories

2020 Tour of BNI Coal’s Center Mine
BNI Coal mines more than 4 million tons of lignite annually and sells it to the adjacent Milton R. Young […]
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North Dakota and surrounding states benefit from homegrown lignite coal
Nationwide, coal was the second-largest source of electricity during 2019, providing approximately 24 percent of U.S. electricity needs. In North […]
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Technology is key to unlocking full potential of North Dakota lignite
Charlie Gorecki, chief executive officer of the UND Energy & Environmental Research Center in Grand Forks, is Kate and Geoff’s […]
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1987 to 2020: Evolution of the Lignite Research Program
The current and two former directors of the Lignite Research Program joined co-hosts Kate Muggerud and Geoff Simon on this […]
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Insider's view of the lignite industry

Myths and Facts

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Myth 1

Coal and renewable electricity sources are interchangeable.

Fact

No, they are not. Coal-based electricity is available 24-7. Renewable sources are available only when the sun shines or the wind blows.

Myth 2

CO2 capture technology for coal-based plants is a fantasy.

Fact

SaskPower’s Boundary Dam Unit 3 in Saskatchewan and the PetroNova project in Texas have proven that CO2 capture technology works on existing coal-based power plants.

Myth 3

North Dakota cannot meet its long-term electricity needs with lignite coal.

Fact

North Dakota has the second largest reserve of lignite coal in the world with more than 800 years of economically recoverable lignite.

Myth 4

Coal is a dirty fuel.

Fact

The coal industry has invested $2 billion in environmental controls, and emissions have fallen significantly. America has some of the cleanest air in the world.