Mike Holmes has devoted more than four decades to advancing energy innovation, applied research, and technology development, shaping some of the nation’s most significant efforts in emissions reduction, advanced energy systems, hydrogen technology, and coal utilization research. He has left a lasting mark on North Dakota’s energy industry and the broader U.S. energy landscape.
While at the EERC, Holmes led major research focused on developing reliable, affordable, and lower-emission energy technologies. He managed our expansive mercury research portfolio, which exceeded $100 million and encompassed projects aimed at understanding and reducing mercury emissions from coal-based energy systems. Recognizing the need to transform complex research into practical solutions, Holmes helped focus these efforts to solve one of the energy industry’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Holmes was also a lead inventor of the EERC’s sorbent enhancement additive mercury control technology. The innovation has helped U.S. utilities cost-effectively reduce mercury emissions while maintaining reliable energy production.
He was also instrumental in developing and expanding the EERC’s National Center for Hydrogen Technology (NCHT). He helped secure the center’s initial investment and guided the rollout of its early programs, contributing to a research portfolio that eventually approached $70 million. Under Holmes, NCHT advanced research in hydrogen production, storage, utilization, and energy integration, helping establish North Dakota and the EERC as important contributors to emerging hydrogen technologies and future energy systems.
In addition, Holmes was a key leader in North Dakota’s “Power Plant of the Future” concept, which sought to reimagine traditional power generation by integrating coal conversion, value-added products, and advanced energy technologies into a coal refinery model rather than a stand-alone plant. The initiative reflected Holmes’s commitment to maximizing the value of North Dakota’s natural resources while advancing cleaner and more efficient energy production.
Following the EERC, Holmes continued supporting energy innovation as Executive Vice President for Research & Development at the Lignite Energy Council. From 2017 to 2026, he also served as Technical Advisor to the North Dakota Industrial Commission Lignite Research & Development Program.
Earlier in his career, Holmes spent 15 years with Babcock & Wilcox working on coal-related research, development, and commercial projects. Holmes has authored or coauthored more than 120 professional publications and holds 12 U.S. patents. He has received honors from Lignite Energy Council, the Plains CO2 Reduction Partnership, and the North Dakota Industrial Commission.
In recognition of his extraordinary commitment to energy and environmental research and development—and his lasting impact on the mission and legacy of the EERC—Holmes has been named our 14th Energy Champion.