From Carbon Capture to Cybersecurity: Energy Hawks Internship Concludes

Established in 2018, the Energy Hawks program brings together graduate and undergraduate students from various disciplines to contribute to North Dakota’s energy industry. Through research, interviews, and extensive travel within the state, these students study the opportunities and challenges of the energy sector and develop initiatives for further exploration.

This year, the Energy Hawks presented three significant projects: 

1. Using Potassium Carbonate Solution to Capture CO₂ from Coal-Fired Power Plants 
   This project focused on exploring sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to alkanolamine solvents for capturing CO₂ emissions from coal-fired power plants. The study aimed to reduce operational costs and minimize corrosion issues associated with alkanolamine while maintaining high CO₂ capture efficiency. The proposed method involves using a Na₂CO₃ solution in a wet flue gas desulfurization scrubber, capturing CO₂ from flue gas and then releasing it through a desorption process. 

2. Vulnerability Assessment of IoT Devices on the Power Grid in North Dakota 
   The second project addressed the critical issue of cybersecurity in North Dakota’s power grid. By analyzing current cybersecurity measures and simulating potential cyberattacks, the research aimed to quantify the impacts and develop targeted strategies to enhance grid security and resilience. The study underscored the importance of safeguarding the power grid against cyber threats, which could have severe economic and social repercussions. 

3. Beneath the Surface: Exploring Salt Cavern Storage in North Dakota 
   The third project explored the potential of salt caverns for storing natural gas liquids in North Dakota. Salt caverns offer a reliable and effective solution for energy storage, essential for managing supply fluctuations and optimizing production operations. The research focused on identifying suitable salt deposits within the state, comparing geological formations with those in Alberta, and proposing state regulations to incentivize the use of salt caverns for energy storage. 

The 2024 Energy Hawks demonstrated exceptional dedication and ingenuity in addressing some of the most pressing energy challenges facing North Dakota. By exploring innovative solutions for CO₂ capture, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and investigating new energy storage options, these students have made significant contributions to the state’s energy industry. Their work not only supports current energy needs but also paves the way for a sustainable and secure energy future for North Dakota.