The North Dakota Industrial Commission has awarded $1,000,000 in Renewable Energy Program matching funds for two projects that enhance renewable energy.

Spiritwood Greenhouse CO2 Supply Project

Awardee: Glass Investments Projects Inc.

Amount Awarded: $500,000

Total Project Costs: $1,884,713

This project will develop a CO2 collection and distribution system between the Dakota Spirit ethanol biorefinery and a proposed 27-acre commercial greenhouse within the Spiritwood Energy Park near Spiritwood, ND. If successful, the business model utilized on this project can easily be transferred to other ethanol biorefineries with CO2 availability.

In a joint statement the Commission said, “This project will help diversify revenue streams at a North Dakota ethanol plant by taking a byproduct and monetizing it while enabling the local production of fresh produce year-round.”

 

Also Awarded ….

Autonomous Operations within the North Dakota Renewable Energy Sector

Awardee: Evolve Analytics LLC

Amount Awarded: $500,000

Total Project Costs: $2,271,645

This project will create a full suite of artificial intelligence (AI) powered software applications for autonomous drones operated by onsite wind technicians offering significant time, convenience, scalability and accuracy advantages over existing processes.

In a joint statement the Commission said, “North Dakota has been a leader in developing the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) industry.  This project utilizes that expertise to develop practical applications that will help the wind industry maximize efficiency and safety.”

 

The North Dakota Industrial Commission, consisting of Gov. Doug Burgum as chairman, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, oversees the Renewable Energy Program.

The Legislature established the program in 2007 to provide funding for research, development, marketing and education to foster growth of renewable energy including wind, biofuels, biomass, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal and hydrogen.

The next application deadline for the program is August 1, 2021.

For more information on approved projects or the program, contact Jonathan Russo (701-328-5347) or Andrea Pfennig (701-328-3786) or visit: www.nd.gov/ndic/renew-infopage.htm.