Bismarck, USA.- The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved an $83,810 Renewable Energy Program grant to Midwest AgEnergy Group to research using North Dakota barley to produce a high value protein concentrate designed for aquaculture and a low-carbon advanced ethanol at Dakota Spirit AgEnergy.
In a joint statement the Commission stated, “This is an exciting first step in a project that could lead to additional markets for barley while creating new market opportunities for North Dakota in the aquaculture industry. Additionally, this would be the first ethanol in North Dakota produced from a feedstock other than corn.”
This first phase of the project will provide a market analysis of protein feed ingredients in aquaculture, conduct an analysis of barley availability as a feedstock in North Dakota, complete Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) and integration opportunities, and develop an understanding of the regulatory requirements necessary to move forward with construction.
Jeff Zueger, CEO for Midwest AgEnergy Group, stated, “We appreciate the support that we have been granted by the state of North Dakota to allow us to continue to develop the possibility of converting barley into a high-quality protein and advanced bio-fuel. The project that we are developing represents an opportunity that would increase the value of agricultural products grown here in the state to help meet the world’s demand for high-quality protein feed ingredients. The Renewable Energy Program is a fantastic example of how North Dakota can support value-added processes to advance toward commercialization.”
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 Aug. 1, 2018.
For more information on previously approved projects or the program, contact Andrea Pfennig (701-328-3786) or Karlene Fine (701-328-3722) or visit: www.nd.gov/ndic/renew-infopage.htm.
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.
