The Lignite Energy Council congratulates Executive Vice President of Research & Development Mike Holmes on being named the 14th Energy Champion by the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC), recognizing a career that has helped shape North Dakota’s energy future through research, innovation, and technology development. The Energy Champion Award recognizes individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on energy and environmental research and development.
Holmes will retire later this month following more than four decades in the energy industry, including leadership roles at Babcock & Wilcox, the EERC, and the Lignite Energy Council. Throughout his career, he has played a central role in advancing technologies related to emissions reduction, hydrogen development, carbon management, and coal utilization while helping bridge the gap between research and real-world application.
“Mike’s influence extends far beyond any one project or organization,” said Jonathan Fortner, president and CEO of the Lignite Energy Council. “He has spent his career bringing together researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to solve problems and pursue opportunities that strengthen North Dakota’s energy economy. His work has left a lasting mark on our industry, and this recognition is richly deserved.”
Holmes joined the Lignite Energy Council in 2017 after a distinguished career at the EERC, where he led major research initiatives and helped establish programs that positioned North Dakota as a leader in energy innovation. During his time with the Council, he guided research and commercialization efforts supporting the state’s lignite industry and served as technical advisor to the North Dakota Industrial Commission’s Lignite Research Program.
“I have been fortunate to work alongside outstanding colleagues, industry partners, and researchers throughout my career,” Holmes said. “This recognition reflects the work of many people who have dedicated themselves to advancing energy technology and innovation. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Under his leadership, research initiatives advanced technologies related to carbon capture, emissions controls, value-added coal products, and emerging energy opportunities. His efforts helped ensure North Dakota’s lignite industry remained focused not only on today’s challenges, but also on the technologies and markets that will shape the future.
“Any success or accolades I’ve received in my career have been a direct result of the incredible team around me,” Holmes continued. “That includes technology developers at the EERC and across the state, leaders in the energy industry, and policymakers and legislators who have worked tirelessly to create opportunities in North Dakota and ensure those opportunities continue to exist for future generations.”
Holmes received the award during the EERC’s annual Energizing North Dakota event in Grand Forks, which brings together industry, government, and the research community to explore ways to better serve North Dakota.
About the Lignite Energy Council
The Lignite Energy Council, the voice for North Dakota’s coal industry, is a regional trade association representing lignite producers, electric utilities, and more than 150 businesses that supply goods and services to the mines and plants. The Council plays a vital role in supporting an industry that generates approximately $5.5 billion in gross business volume annually and contributes $100 million in state and local tax revenues. The lignite industry also facilitates 12,000 direct and indirect jobs across the state, strengthening North Dakota’s economy and energy landscape.