Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC)

08/12/2026

Crack the Code 2.0 is here.

Most North Dakotans will never set foot on a drilling rig or analyze rocks from thousands of feet beneath the Bakken, but nearly everyone in the state has benefited from what lies below.

Read about the next chapter of oil and gas in North Dakota and why Crack the Code 2.0 matters to us all:

The Crack the Code 2.0 initiative aims to enhance oil recovery, linking oil, coal, and agriculture industries while positioning captured CO2 as a valuable resource.

08/03/2026

Tom Erickson reflects on nearly 40 years at the EERC—from joining the organization in 1986 to helping guide its growth into a world-renowned energy research center.

Read Tom's story, in his own words, as he looks back on the people, milestones, and mission that shaped his career:

Erickson guided the state’s premier energy and environmental research facility through a period of significant growth and change. He retired on July 21.

07/30/2026

We had the honor of hosting U.S. Department of Energy today for a tour of our facilities. The EERC and DOE have shared a strong partnership for decades, advancing technologies that strengthen U.S. energy security, expand domestic energy production, and drive innovation. We're excited to continue building on that partnership through several recently funded DOE initiatives.

Read about it here: https://blog.undeerc.org/2026/07/30/u-s-department-of-energy-visits-eerc-following-recent-federal-project-awards/

07/22/2026

After an extraordinary 40 years, Tom Erickson has retired from the EERC. What began as a student position in 1986 became a four-decade journey of innovation, leadership, and lasting impact. We thank him for his dedication and wish him the best in his well-earned retirement!

Read about his legacy here:

Tom Erickson, COO and VP of IP, retired from the EERC. As Tom begins his next chapter, the EERC celebrates his extraordinary career and lasting legacy.

07/09/2026

2026 marks 10 years of Energize North Dakota—a decade of advancing our state's energy future through collaboration, innovation, and shared goals.
Take a look back at the partnerships and projects that have shaped the last 10 years and find out where we're headed next.

Read about it:

Ten years ago, a simple conversation between EERC leaders sparked an idea that has inspired the EERC and North Dakota’s energy industry. Their vision was straightforward: invite decision-makers to the EERC, demonstrate the technologies being developed here, and create an environment where intentio...

06/19/2026

We're excited to announce our new Materials Exploration (MatEx ) facility is officially open for business!

This 28,700-square-foot facility serves as a solution to a problem many of our clients face when transitioning from laboratory validation to pilot-scale demonstration: regulatory, safety, and infrastructure limitations that slow progress and require costly redesign. The MatEx was built to eliminate those barriers.

Read about it:

The EERC has completed its Materials Exploration (MatEx) facility, advancing research capabilities for hazardous materials and processes.

06/11/2026

During our 10th annual Energizing North Dakota, we were proud to announce Mike Holmes as the EERC’s 14th Energy Champion.

Mike’s decades of leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing energy technologies have made a lasting impact on North Dakota’s energy industry and beyond. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Read about it:

Mike Holmes has over 40 years of experience in energy and technology development, significantly impacting North Dakota’s energy sector and beyond. Recognized as the EERC’s 14th Energy C…

05/05/2026

Building the future requires leaving a lasting mark. Last week, EERC employees marked the completion of the new Materials Exploration (MatEx) Facility with a Beam Signing Ceremony. The event brought staff together to tour the new facility and add their signatures to the final structural beam.

The MatEx building is now nearing full completion and will support advanced, high-hazard pilot-scale demonstrations in a safe, purpose-built environment.

05/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the CCUS Technical Forum last week. We appreciated the opportunity to connect, share insights, and advance conversations around carbon management and CCUS innovation.

A special thank you to our partners and collaborators for making this event a success: Center for Carbon Management in Energy (CCME), UH, UH Energy, and all of our PCOR Partners.

03/31/2026

Please join us in congratulating Brian Kalk on his selection as President of Bismarck State College. Brian brings extensive experience in applied energy research, public service, and higher education leadership.

We’re excited to see his leadership continue to shape the future of BSC and its students.

Read about it: https://ndus.edu/kalk-selected-as-next-president-of-bismarck-state-college