October 2004

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Six energy companies and institutions will be conducting a pilot study linking wind energy to hydrogen production in North Dakota, thanks to a grant of almost $500,000 from the federal government. Another $124,242 will be contributed by the partners, the Basin Electric Power Cooperative; the University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center; Stuart Energy Systems Corp. of Toronto, Canada; the North Dakota State University North Central Extension Center; the Verendrye Electric Power Cooperative; and the City of Minot. “This project has enormous implications for the future of wind energy, hydrogen power and economic growth in America’s heartland,” said U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) who announced the grant and the DoE-sponsored program in mid-September. Dorgan, member of the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, helped secure the funding in last year’s appropriations process. In the first phase, the partners will analyze economics and the environmental impact of the technology. In the second phase, to start next spring, an electrolyzer will be placed with Basin Electric’s wind farms to generate hydrogen as vehicle fuel. Contact: Sen. Dorgan’s office, Barry Piatt, 202/224-2551.