November 29, the Midwest Energy Summit returned to the FMWF area for the third year, bringing together national leaders, experts and executives to unpack the immense impacts, trends, opportunities and challenges related to the energy sector. Beyond the individuals and leaders in attendance on November 29, the content of this summit reached thousands of livestream viewers across several states, thanks to our 31 committed cohosting chambers and associations, and our dedicated media partners.
Keynote speaker Christopher Guith, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber’s Global Energy Institute, laid the groundwork for the discussion, sharing his expertise of the energy sector and stressing the importance of energy security. Guith covered the current state of the geopolitical landscape for energy and how there has been a lot of uncertainty when it comes to energy across the globe, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic and the variability in jobs security, erratic prices, historic under investment and ‘regulatory tsunamis’ that have now left a mark on where energy stands today.
Guith was sure to leave a lasting impression, reminding us that “the transition into clean energy cannot go any faster than the pace of innovation. The good news is that there is overwhelming consensus across science and engineering about what these technologies are probably going to be…but you can’t let go of the rung you’re hanging on until you have a firm grasp of the next one .” We need our next steps to be backed up by technologies, infrastructure and solutions – which are still a work in progress and will take time.
Senator David Hogue also attended the event, introducing the importance of policy and our community’s involvement in important discussions around this topic. Senator Hogue introduced Tammy Miller, North Dakota Lieutenant Governor, as she joined us to moderate a conversation with industry experts Jeff Davidman of Delta Airlines, Mike Swaney of BNSF Railway and Denver Tolliver of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute around the global energy landscape and its impact on transportation.
Davidman, Swaney and Tolliver each offered their unique perspectives on the transportation industry and how they can utilize sustainable fuels and innovation to contribute to North Dakota’s goal to be carbon-neutral by the year 2030. The conversation delved into the impact of federal and state legislation on the industry, addressing topics such as taxes, regulations and decarbonization. The panel explored challenges in adopting new technologies, discussing costs, availability and infrastructure. They concluded by stressing the collaborative effort needed for solutions, with Davidman emphasizing the Midwest's potential for Sustainable Airline Fuel (SAF), Swaney advocating for increased rail utilization and Tolliver highlighting the exciting, high-tech future ahead.
“By 2030, Delta Air Lines wants 10 percent of our jet fuel to be replaced by SAF. We use four billion gallons a year of jet fuel, 10 percent of that is 400 million. There were only 15 million gallons of SAF produced in the U.S. last year - so just for Delta, we have to increase that. We have to get from 15 million gallons to about 3 billion gallons per year [of SAF] for the airline industry by 2030.” - Jeff Davidman, Delta Air Lines
“When we think about infrastructure… We’re not going to pour a lot of money into solutions until we know what the right step is. We have to know it’s going to be there. We have plans to test a hydrogen fuel cell locomotive in the next few years. I would say the next bridge after renewables, is if we could introduce a hybrid locomotive. So if we’ve got the cleanest, tier four locomotives, burning renewable diesel…augmented by batteries, that might get us an additional 10 to 15 percent of fuel. We are already the cleanest form of land transportation, so we see this natural transition. We’ve got a plan for 2030 and beyond and are considering what our options could look like.” – Mike Swaney, BNSF Railway
Attendees also heard from Douglas Schultz, CEO for the Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, who was not able to attend in person. Schultz shared a video to discuss the approved Heartland Hydrogen Hub in North Dakota, emphasizing its economic and employment benefits for North Dakota, Minnesota and beyond.
Charles Gorecki of the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) got on stage to highlight the EERC’s impact and importance in the region. He also explained the potential uses of hydrogen and its role in addressing environmental challenges. Gorecki discussed the legislation surrounding hydrogen and introduced the Heartland Hydrogen Hub, urging community involvement and awareness.
The event concluded with a panel discussion on Carbon Capture, Utilization, Storage and Transportation, with panelists Wade Boeshans of Summit Carbon Solutions, Andrew Sorbo of Minnkota Power, John Hamling of the EERC and moderator Christopher Guith. This discussion hit on topics such as the expansion of carbon capture, regional challenges and the importance of collaboration between industry, community and business leaders. Closing remarks emphasized the significance of continuing crucial conversations and collaborations for a prosperous future in the Midwest.
“At the end of the day, energy and agriculture represent 70% of North Dakota’s economy. And the markets are demanding lower carbon energy and likely in the future, lower carbon food. That is our livelihood. Without that basis of understanding of why we are doing this and then an understanding of how we do it safety and how do we address your concerns….I think the solution is collaboration and education.” – Wade Boeshans, Summit Carbon Solutions
This was our biggest Midwest Summit yet, reaching a broader audience through livestream partnerships with 7,300 viewers across the Upper Midwest. The Chamber would like to thank Premier Sponsors, Cass County Electric Cooperative and Excel Energy; our 31 co-hosting chambers and all who attended this important event to truly make it a success and leave an impactful mark on our region and beyond.
The biggest takeaway from this event is that our business community needs to get involved. Speak up to legislators, share this information with the community and help raise overall awareness and spread education around this pressing topic that will affect our region, and nation, for many years to come.
