News Releases for May 2006
May 24, 2006
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven Hosts U.S. Assistant Energy Secretary To Promote North Dakota Energy Agenda
Governor, Asst. Secretary To Hold Roundtable Discussion With Industry Leaders, Media Availabilities Wednesday And
Thursday
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven will host U.S. Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Jeffrey Jarrett and energy industry leaders for an Energy Roundtable discussion in Bismarck on Thursday to promote an expanded role for North Dakota's coal, oil and gas in the nation's energy strategy.
The Governor will also host Assistant Secretary Jarrett for a tour of the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) in Grand Forks and Dakota Gasification Company's Great Plains Synfuels facility in Beulah.
"North Dakota is taking a big step forward in developing both traditional and renewable sources of energy, including, biofuels, wind, hydrogen, oil and gas, and coal-to-liquid fuels," Hoeven said. "This visit by Assistant Secretary Jarrett will enable us to show him what we're doing as we seek help in our efforts from the U.S. Department of Energy."
The EERC conducts a broad range of research in areas such as clean coal technology, advanced power and energy systems, environmental sciences, renewable energy, fuel cell technology and hydrogen production. The Governor's Centers of Excellence program recently awarded the EERC $2.5 million toward the building of a new $3 million facility for its National Center for Hydrogen Technology. In addition, the DGC plant captures carbon dioxide and sequesters it into the ground for tertiary oil recovery, enhancing environmental stewardship.
The Synfuels Plant is the only commercial-scale coal gasification plant in the United States that manufactures natural gas. Located five miles northwest of Beulah, ND, the facility has been owned and operated by Dakota Gas since 1988. The plant illustrates the feasibility of converting coal to gas and liquid fuels to help supply domestic energy supplies of diesel and other fuels.
"As recent energy projects in our state make clear, North Dakota can play a larger and cutting-edge role in our nation's efforts to develop both more domestic and alternative energy, often helping producers work together," Hoeven said. "The EERC and Great Plains Synfuels represent the kind of research and farsightedness we will need to achieve greater energy independence and affordable energy for our people and our businesses."
The Governor and Assistant Secretary Jarrett will hold a media availability on Wednesday, May 24 at 2:45 p.m. in the EERC's Discovery Hall following a tour of the Center, 15 N 23rd St., Grand Forks. A second news conference will be held in Bismarck, on Thursday, May 25 at 9:30 a.m. in the Governor's Conference Room. The Roundtable will follow at 10 a.m. in the Rough Rider Room at the State Capitol Building.
As Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, Mr. Jarrett serves as the primary policy advisor to the Secretary of Energy and the department on issues involving federal coal, oil, and natural gas programs, including extensive research and development efforts in those areas. His responsibilities include management of the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the Home Heating Oil Reserve, coordinating and implementing elements of the National Energy Policy Act of 2005, managing the FutureGen initiative, and overseeing the Fossil Energy organization of about 1,000 scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative staff throughout the nation.
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