The theme for the Lignite Energy Council’s 46th Annual Meeting to be held at the Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, on Wednesday and Thursday, April 24 and 25, 2019, is “Blueprint for the Future.”

“The lignite industry remains focused on ways to use the state’s abundant lignite reserves including emerging markets, such as electric vehicles, and new advanced technologies that can capture and use carbon dioxide,” said Jason Bohrer, president and CEO of the Lignite Energy Council. “We will continue our work with government agencies and policymakers as we develop technology solutions to ensure our ample reserves of lignite remain a low-cost fuel for the future.”

On April 24, Brian Davey, CEO of Australian Carbon Innovation and Janet Gellici, CEO of the National Coal Council, will be the keynote speakers.

Davey has a background in the coal and power sector with more than 30 years of experience. His career includes managing advanced coal technology programs both as an administrator in government service and as a consultant. His organization has many similarities to the Lignite Energy Council. Currently, both associations are investing in advanced generation technology development and studies to increase the beneficial attributes of coal in areas besides electric generation.

Gellici leads the National Coal Council, an advisory committee to the U.S. Secretary of Energy, providing advice and recommendations to the Secretary on general policy matters relating to the coal industry. Her presentation will be about securing coal’s future and will include recommendations in support of coal’s vital role in the U.S. generation fleet. She will give an overview of recommendations from the National Coal Council to Energy Secretary Rick Perry on optimizing the existing coal fleet and advancing new markets for coal.

On April 25, Jason Bohrer, president and CEO, will give an overview of the lignite industry. His talk will be followed by six panelists of middle school and high school students who participated in a youth advisory program sponsored by energy and farm groups. Two members of the North Dakota Congressional delegation – Senator John Hoeven and Rep. Kelly Armstrong – will talk about current energy and environmental policy developments in the nation’s capitol.

The meeting will adjourn after a networking luncheon.