The primary objective of the Lignite Energy Council is to maintain a viable lignite coal industry and enhance development of the region’s lignite coal resources for use in generating electricity, synthetic natural gas and valuable byproducts.
Members of the Lignite Energy Council include mining companies, major users that use lignite to generate electricity, synthetic natural gas and other valuable byproducts, and businesses that provide goods and services to the lignite industry.
At Lignite Energy Council, we don’t stop with today. We look to tomorrow. It is our constant goal to learn more and develop further. All to provide electricity to North Dakota.
The mission of the Council is to promote policies and direct activities that maintain a viable lignite industry and improve its competitive position in the energy marketplace.
The Lignite Energy Council advocates for North Dakota’s coal industry by educating the public, students, and educators on its critical role and raising awareness of the challenges it faces.
Become a member and join us in our mission to maintain a viable lignite coal industry and enhance development of the region’s lignite coal resources.
North Dakota produces the seventh most coal in the nation, mining between 25 million and 30 million tons annually for the past four decades. With abundant water resources, lignite coal helps meet the high demands for a reliable and affordable source of electricity in the Upper Midwest.
Nearly 80 percent of the lignite coal mined annually in the state is used to generate affordable, reliable electricity, serving more than 2 million people in the region; about 20 percent is used to make synthetic natural gas that is delivered to 400,000 homes and businesses in the eastern United States, three valuable fertilizer products – urea, anhydrous ammonia and ammonium sulfate, along with carbon dioxide used for enhanced oil recovery and other valuable chemicals.
North Dakotans benefit in multiple ways from affordable and reliable power generated at the state’s lignite-based power plants. Low-cost electricity helps farmers and businesses because it lowers their operational expenses and allows them to be competitive on an international level. It also promotes industrial and economic development, since low electricity costs attract new business and help retain our existing companies.
