Please Email all Grant Program Correspondence to: ndicgrants@nd.gov
North Dakota's Lignite Research, Development and Marketing Program (Program) is a multi-million dollar state/industry partnership that concentrates on near term, practical research and development projects that provide the opportunity to preserve and enhance development of our state's abundant lignite resources.
The Program is funded from several sources including the coal severance tax, coal conversion tax, and oil and gas tax revenues with approximately $7.5 million available each year for the Research, Development and Marketing Program.
October 1, 2023
Marketing Feasibility Studies - Nonmatching marketing feasibility study funds are used to identify near-term private matching projects, to support environmental studies, and to identify new markets for lignite-derived products and byproducts.
Small Research - Small research projects are focused on environmental issues, combustion, reclamation, byproducts and beneficiation. These funds are matched by private industry investment.
Demonstration - Funding for projects that are taking the next step from research and are on the pathway to performing demonstration projects.
Advanced Energy Technology Program - Funding for projects that are developing large scale demonstrations that show the potential to lead to near-term application in North Dakota with a focus on technologies that will sustain or grow the lignite industry. Priority will be given to projects that are on the path toward demonstrations on a scale of at least 25 MWe or equivalent.
Since inception in 1987 program grants have been used to:
- Help diversify the Great Plains Synfuels Plant;
- Improve methods for more efficient and cost-effective reclamation;
- Find cleaner ways to burn lignite in existing boilers;
- Identify new market opportunities; and
- Meet new challenges from proposed environmental regulations.
Industrial Commission awards $11.4 million in latest grant round of the Lignite Research, Development and Marketing Program
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Categories: Industrial Commission, Lignite Research ProgramThe North Dakota Industrial Commission approved $11.4 million in Lignite Research, Development and Marketing Program matching grants for seven new research projects. The funding, generated from lignite severance tax as well as oil and gas production tax revenue, supports the growth of North Dakota’s lignite industry through research and education.
Governor Executive Order - Lignite Research Council Members
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Categories: Industrial Commission, Lignite Research ProgramThis order issued on the basis that the Governor is vested with the Executive authority pursuant to Article V, Section 1 or the North Dakota Constitution, and pursuant to NDCC 54-17.5-02. This order shall be effective Immediately and supersedes and replaces Executive Order 2013-05; accordingly, Executive Order 2013-05 is hereby rescinded.
Lignite Research Council Meeting Scheduled, Grant Round 102 Closes April 3, 2023
Monday, March 27, 2023
Categories: Industrial Commission, Lignite Research Program, Press ReleaseThe next meeting of the Lignite Research Council has been scheduled for 1:30 pm on May 11, 2023. The meeting will be held in Room 335, Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Excellence, 1200 Schafer Street, Bismarck, ND. The Council will consider grant applications for its 102nd grant round. The deadline for submitting applications for consideration at the May 11th meeting is April 3, 2023. Applications may be submitted via email at ndicgrants@nd.gov.
Industrial Commission approves funding for new Lignite R&D grant
Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 11:00 pm
Categories: Industrial Commission, Lignite Research Program, Press ReleaseThe North Dakota Industrial Commission approved funding last week for a new lignite research project, titled "Lignite Resource Evaluation for Advanced Utilization Opportunities," that focuses on evaluating the potential for extracting rare earth elements and other critical minerals from North Dakota lignite.
North Dakota Industrial Commission approves funding for Lignite Research & Development proposal
Monday, May 23, 2022 at 11:00 pm
Categories: Industrial Commission, Lignite Research Program, Press ReleaseThe North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) awarded $850,000 of grant funding to Semplastics for a new lignite research project on May 23, 2022. The total cost of the project is $4.2 million with the majority of the match funding coming from the U.S. Department of Energy. Other entities involved in the project are North American Coal Corp. and the Energy & Environmental Research Center.
Lignite Research and Development Proposals
Friday, January 21, 2022
Categories: Industrial Commission, Lignite Research Program, Press ReleaseThe North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) today approved $1 million in grant funding for a small-scale lignite research and development (R&D) project and continuation of an ongoing carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) project. The two projects had been evaluated and recommended by the Lignite Research Council earlier in the week.
World's Largest Carbon Capture Facility - Project Tundra - Receives NDIC Approvals
Friday, January 21, 2022
Categories: Industrial Commission, Lignite Research Program, Press ReleaseThe Industrial Commission today approved the Class VI storage facility applications for North Dakota-based Minnkota Power Cooperative’s Project Tundra. The project is a $1 billion investment in carbon capture from the Milton R. Young Station in Oliver County, North Dakota.
North Dakota Industrial Commission approves funding for three Lignite R&D grants
Monday, November 29, 2021
Categories: Industrial Commission, Lignite Research Program, Press ReleaseThe North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) today approved funding for three lignite research projects totaling $632,500. The largest award is $550,000 to develop lignite coal-based pitch for high-value carbon products.
Industrial Commission approves funding for three Lignite R&D grants
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Categories: Industrial Commission, Lignite Research Program, Press ReleaseThe North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) approved funding totaling $970,004 for three lignite research projects. In a joint statement, the Commission consisting of Governor Doug Burgum, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, stated, “The lignite industry is always looking forward and developing new markets and new technologies to improve existing operations. The projects that we funded today will continue the success of this industry that is so important to the state and its citizens.”
NDIC Approves Funding for three new Lignite Research and Development Proposals
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Categories: Industrial Commission, Lignite Research Program, Press ReleaseThe North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) approved funding for three new small-scale lignite research and development (R&D) projects on Nov. 23. The three projects had been evaluated and recommended by the Lignite Research Council earlier in the month.
North Dakota Industrial Commission approves funding for two Lignite Research & Development proposals
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Categories: Industrial Commission, Lignite Research Program, Press ReleaseThe North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) approved funding for two lignite research projects on August 20. Both projects had been evaluated and recommended by the Lignite Research Council earlier in the month.
LIGNITE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Categories: Industrial Commission, Lignite Research Program, Press ReleaseBISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Industrial Commission has established a special grant round and is currently accepting applications through July 17th for the North Dakota Lignite Research, Development, and Marketing Program. This program funds projects that involve research and development of North Dakota’s abundant lignite resources.
NDIC approves funding for two lignite R&D proposals
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Categories: Industrial Commission, Lignite Research Program, Press ReleaseThe North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) today approved funding totaling over $15 million for two lignite research projects.