Institute for Energy Studies

IES focuses on the integration of energy education, research and outreach.

We enable the development of the next generation of energy experts who can facilitate the advancement of energy technologies that are economically competitive, reliable, sustainable, and politically and environmentally acceptable.

Skills That Drive the World Forward

In recognition of North Dakota's vast energy resources - lignite coal, oil and gas, wind, solar, biomass and other renewables - it is essential that the University of North Dakota (UND) develop students and professors that can play a positive role in the clean, efficient, and sustainable development of these precious resources. Tied to the academic mission of the college, the IES inspires the creation of new knowledge that trains the next generation of energy experts, enables the development of revolutionary energy technologies, and establishes advanced industries required to make affordable emissions-free energy technologies a reality.

Meeting Market Needs

Our goal is to provide a well-balanced education and research platform so our graduates are prepared to meet the diverse needs of the current dynamic energy market. We use a non-biased approach to develop technical, environmental, political, social, and economic information for use by the energy industry as it sets its future course. Activities of our team of faculty, students, and research staff are guided by the Technical Advisory Committee and the Executive Committee.

Focus Areas

We work together with the Energy & Environmental Research Center and other departments across the UND campus to offer coursework and research in the follow focus areas:

• Production of liquid and gaseous fuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, and methane) and specialty chemicals from biomass, fossil fuels, and other resources, including infrastructure development.
• Stationary power generation, including improving energy efficiency in existing and new systems, renewable energy systems, clean coal technologies, carbon sequestration, and hydrogen production.
• Transmission and distribution systems, including approaches to integrate distributed generation produced from renewable resources.
• Environmental cleanup and protection of air, water, and soil, focusing on energy- and industrial-generated sources.
• Integration of social, political, regulatory, and legal concerns into the development and implementation of new technologies.

Research Awards

Funding from two major awards are being used to sample and characterize coal-based resources from around the country that contain high concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs).

UND is already pioneering important research to find ways to extract rare earth elements from our lignite coal in North Dakota.ND Senator John HoevenU.S. Senate Appropriations Committee