As 2024 comes to an end, the State Energy Research Center (SERC) completes another year of groundbreaking research and innovation. Designated by the North Dakota Legislature to conduct early-stage energy and environmental research, SERC continues to drive forward projects that explore new horizons, solve pressing challenges, and prepare the state’s energy industries for a sustainable future. Here are some of the notable projects from this year:
Exploring Next-Generation Energy Storage
Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Lithium–Halogen Batteries
MOFs could offer a game-changing approach to energy storage by providing scalable, low-cost materials for high-performance batteries. This project took steps forward in developing and testing MOFs for potential battery application. Affordable and efficient storage systems could enable storage of intermittent energy sources like wind and solar, enhancing North Dakota’s renewable energy options.
Advancing Critical Mineral Extraction
Electrochemical Extraction of Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
The quest to efficiently extract REEs from North Dakota’s lignite and produced water brine took significant strides this year. Hydrochloric acid proved to be an effective leaching agent, and electrochemical methods showed promise for coal ash. Efficient extraction of REEs from these sources positions the state as a key player in the domestic supply chain for critical minerals. This is essential for reducing reliance on foreign sources, strengthening national security, and boosting economic independence. REEs are integral to clean energy technologies, making this research pivotal to the growth of the U.S. energy sector.
Transforming Produced Water Challenges into Opportunities
Hydrogen Production and REE Concentration via Produced Water Electrolysis
By utilizing excess electricity to produce hydrogen and concentrate REEs, this project studied two important issues: the management of produced water and the creation of valuable by-products like hydrogen. Efficient hydrogen production will be critical if a hydrogen economy develops across the nation, and this project could help make North Dakota a leader in clean hydrogen production and resource recovery.
Brine Hydrolysis for Chemical Production
This effort evaluated brine hydrolysis as a cost-effective method to treat high-salinity produced water while producing valuable by-products like carbonates. The ability to convert waste into useful by-products not only improves environmental sustainability but also creates economic opportunities by reducing the costs of water treatment and contributing to the state’s chemical industry. With two invention disclosures and promising results, this project sets the stage for practical, economically feasible solutions for water treatment.
Embracing Renewable Energy Potential
Geothermal Energy from Decommissioned Wells
Repurposing North Dakota’s decommissioned oil and gas wells for geothermal energy could tap into a renewable resource with the potential to provide continuous, reliable power. North Dakota’s vast infrastructure of decommissioned wells presents an underutilized asset that could play a major role in the state’s energy future, offering a cost-effective and sustainable energy source while addressing environmental concerns. This year’s feasibility studies, heat-loss simulations, and regulatory evaluations revealed potential for cost-effective geothermal applications, supported by an interactive tool for optimization.
Innovating Value-Added Materials
Glacial Clay Enhanced with Lignite-Derived Graphitic Carbon (LDGC)
Using North Dakota’s waste materials like glacial clay and LDGC for composite bricks shows potential for creating sustainable building materials. While LDGC did not significantly improve the bricks’ bulk properties during this work, the concept of using locally sourced graphitic carbon to enhance materials has the potential to support existing and new industries in the state.
Strengthening National Security Through Energy
Energy Resilience and National Security
This year, SERC identified opportunities to align with Department of Defense (DOD) priorities, such as energy resilience and decarbonization of its operations. Collaboration with regional DOD entities and development of a hydrogen fuel cell concept for base resiliency underscored the strategic potential of North Dakota’s energy industries in bolstering national security.
Developing Critical and Novel Materials
Innovative Materials Research
Collaborations with national laboratories and research plans targeting advanced materials positioned North Dakota as a hub for innovation. This research is essential for meeting the future needs of the energy industry, such as improved battery technology, energy storage systems, and renewable energy applications, ensuring the state stays ahead in cutting-edge research and technological development.
Looking Ahead
From pioneering advancements in energy storage and REE extraction to exploring sustainable geothermal solutions and strengthening national security, SERC’s 2024 projects exemplify innovation at the intersection of science and practical application. As we look to 2025, we’re excited to build upon these achievements, collaborate with new partners, and continue leading research that benefits North Dakota and beyond.