DESCRIPTION

The University of North Dakota Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) conducts contract research and development leading to the demonstration and commercialization of clean, efficient energy systems and pollution prevention and environmental cleanup technologies. It forms partnerships between government agencies, private industry, research organizations, and academic institutions, providing clients with opportunities for jointly sponsored research programs and consortium-sponsored research projects. The EERC's energy and environmental programs encompass a broad range of activities.

EERC Mission Statement
The mission of the Energy and Environmental Research Center is to improve the global quality of life by providing leadership in visionary, multidisciplinary research and development leading to demonstration and commercialization of innovative, clean, efficient energy technologies and of environmental technologies addressing the protection of air, water, and soil.

The EERC accomplishes this mission by:

• Being cognizant of the interconnected nature of the environment and energy.
• Being focused, practical and, sensitive to the marketplace.
• Being international in scope.
• Being committed not only to research and development, but also to demonstration and commercialization of innovative energy and environmental technologies.
• Fostering cooperation among industry, government, and the research community.
• Providing opportunities for economic development and job creation.
• Providing fundamental and applied research and training opportunities for highly motivated students and professionals at all levels.

SERVICE AND ACTIVITIES

The EERC's water management program is focused on working in partnership with government and industry to address water use issues and provide technical expertise in solving water-related problems such as groundwater contamination and wastewater treatment.

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the EERC is assisting small businesses to demonstrate and commercialize environmental management technologies to clean up contaminated nuclear weapons facilities and other DOE sites.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated the EERC the Center for Air Toxic Metals to study and develop methods to control emissions of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants from power plants.

Under its American Indian initiative, the EERC is assisting Native Americans in responding to energy, environmental, and resource development issues on tribal lands.

The EERC's education and training program includes conferences, short courses, workshops, participation in academic programs, and practically oriented field experiences for the timely dissemination of scientific and engineering knowledge.

The EERC has ongoing research projects in energy technologies that include fossil fuels, alternative fuels, biomass, and other renewable energy sources. The EERC's environmental programs are focused on pollution prevention technologies and processes to clean contaminated water and soil. Other EERC research projects include waste utilization and disposal, mine land reclamation and the remediation of contaminated sites. The EERC develops innovative analytical techniques to measure, speciate and characterize a wide range of environmental pollutants and contaminants.

AREA OF CONCENTRATION

• Wastewater treatment
• Cleanup of contaminated water
• Resource assessment
• Resource analysis
• Technology evaluation
• Water management issues

GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE OF ACTIVITES

International

TYPE OF ORGANIZATION

Research