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The full agenda is located here.
TUESDAY, MARCH 29
SESSION A: EFFECTS OF ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 29, 2:00 - 3:00 PM | YELLOWSTONE ROOM - BIGHORN CENTER |
SPEAKER: Burt Todd, Ph.D., Department Chairman, Petroleum Engineering, Montana Tech
OVERVIEW: The session describes Montana Tech’s research to improve oil recovery rates in the Elm Coulee Oil Field in the Bakken Reservoir, Richmond County, Montana. Topics during the session will consist of recovery rate predictions, enhanced oil recovery methods, reservoir model building and history matching strategies. In addition, potential development strategies such as hydrocarbon gas injection operations will be discussed.
SESSION B: LEGAL OBSTACLES TO ENERGY DEVELOPMENT (MT. CLE & AAPL APPROVED)
MARCH 29, 2:00 - 4:00 PM | MISSOURI BALLROOM | PANEL DISCUSSION
MODERATOR: Mark L. Stermitz – Partner, Crowley Fleck PLLP
PANELISTS: Robert Winger – President, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
Victoria (Vicki) Marquis – Associate, Crowley Fleck PLLP
Carl Borgquist – CEO, Absaroka Energy
Craig C. Smith – Partner, Crowley Fleck PLLP
R. Knute Old Crow – Speaker of the House, Crow Nation Legislature
Greg F. Dorrington – Partner, Crowley Fleck PLLP
OVERVIEW: The session will provide a general overview of federal issues and legal challenges related to energy development in Montana. It will provide an update on the Clean Power Plan, the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to stay implementation of the EPA’s rules, the moratorium on new coal leases, Bureau of Land Management’s proposed revision to venting and flaring rules, the new ground-level ozone standard, and policies that support renewable energy.
SESSION C: THE EASTERN MONTANA CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 29 2:00 - 4:00 PM | MADISON ROOM - BIGHORN CENTER |
SPEAKERS: Bill Williams & George Grgich, LP Amina
OVERVIEW: The session will provide information about a pilot program that LP Amina, Lignite Energy Council and Basin Electric Co-op is conducting in Beulah, ND that could be applied at the Colstrip Power Plants. LP Amina is a multinational environmental engineering company that provides proprietary solutions for reducing emissions at coal-fired and natural gas-fired power plants.
SESSION D: RANCHING, ENERGY & SAGE GROUSE MITIGATION (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 29, 3:00 - 4:00 PM | STILLWATER BALLROOM | PANEL DISCUSSION
MODERATOR: Joe Dooling, Business Development, KLJ
PANELISTS: Rusty Shaw, REM, CES, Environmental Compliance Manager, Denbury Resources, Inc.
Errol Rice, Executive Vice President, Montana Stockgrowers Association
John E. Tubbs, Director, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Jay Bodner, Director of Natural Resources, Montana Stockgrowers Association
OVERVIEW: The energy and ranching sectors share a common stake in Montana when it comes to the Greater Sage Grouse. The discussion will focus on the efforts taking place between the State of Montana and these two important industries regarding regulatory requirements and market based approaches to address wildlife habitat concerns and responsibly developing our energy resources.
SESSION E: ADDRESSING INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIENCIES IN EASTERN MONTANA (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 29, 3:00-4:00 PM | GALLATIN BALLROOM | PANEL DISCUSSION
MODERATOR: Webb Brown, President & CEO, Montana Chamber of Commerce
PANELISTS: Austin Knudsen, Speaker of the House, Montana State Representative (HD36)
Shoots Veis, Senior Project Engineer, Interstate Engineering Inc.
Duane Ankney, Montana State Senator (HD 43)
Jim Atchison, Executive Director, Southeastern Montana Development Corporation.
OVERVIEW: Infrastructure investment is critical to Montana’s economic growth, specifically in eastern Montana where the energy boom has created acute infrastructure deficiencies that cannot be adequately addressed with local revenue sources. The legislature has considered legislation that allows impacted areas to partner with the state to address infrastructure needs, however such legislation has not made it through the process. Reducing infrastructure deficiencies tomorrow will require a great deal of thought, planning, and action. The discussion will address the issues of defining our infrastructure deficiencies, prioritizing infrastructure projects and identifying adequate sources of revenue to tackle the challenge.
SESSION F: CARBON SEQUESTRATION (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 29, 3:00-4:00 PM | BITTERROOT BALLROOM |
SPEAKER: Lee Spangler, Ph.D., Director, Energy Research Institute, MSU
OVERVIEW: The discussion will focus on the basics of geologic carbon sequestration including necessary site properties, site selection and characterization, and monitoring activities. A brief description of major regulatory requirements will be presented, in
addition to some of MSU’s projects in this field.
SESSION G: COAL-DEPENDENT NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION IN THE POWDER RIVER BASIN (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 29, 3:00-4:00 PM | COTTONWOOD ROOM - ATRIUM/LOBBY |
SPEAKER: Matthew Fields, Ph.D., Director, Center for Biofilm Engineering, MSU
OVERIEW: The Powder River Basin (PRB) in southeast Montana and northeast Wyoming is one of the largest coal reserves and the site of both coal mining and coalbed methane (CBM) extraction. Most coal in the PRB is too deep to be mined by conventional means, however microorganisms in these coal seams produce biogenic CBM. The rate of natural biogenic CBM production is slower than that of commercial gas collection, resulting in an average CBM well lifespan of only 7-10 years. Many PRB CBM wells have been abandoned for this reason, creating an economic and environmental liability. Developing economically feasible in situ strategies for increasing the rate of coal to CBM conversion will provide a cleaner and renewable energy alternative to conventional coal and extend the life of already existing CBM production wells.
MARCH 29, 2:00 - 3:00 PM | YELLOWSTONE ROOM - BIGHORN CENTER |
SPEAKER: Burt Todd, Ph.D., Department Chairman, Petroleum Engineering, Montana Tech
OVERVIEW: The session describes Montana Tech’s research to improve oil recovery rates in the Elm Coulee Oil Field in the Bakken Reservoir, Richmond County, Montana. Topics during the session will consist of recovery rate predictions, enhanced oil recovery methods, reservoir model building and history matching strategies. In addition, potential development strategies such as hydrocarbon gas injection operations will be discussed.
SESSION B: LEGAL OBSTACLES TO ENERGY DEVELOPMENT (MT. CLE & AAPL APPROVED)
MARCH 29, 2:00 - 4:00 PM | MISSOURI BALLROOM | PANEL DISCUSSION
MODERATOR: Mark L. Stermitz – Partner, Crowley Fleck PLLP
PANELISTS: Robert Winger – President, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
Victoria (Vicki) Marquis – Associate, Crowley Fleck PLLP
Carl Borgquist – CEO, Absaroka Energy
Craig C. Smith – Partner, Crowley Fleck PLLP
R. Knute Old Crow – Speaker of the House, Crow Nation Legislature
Greg F. Dorrington – Partner, Crowley Fleck PLLP
OVERVIEW: The session will provide a general overview of federal issues and legal challenges related to energy development in Montana. It will provide an update on the Clean Power Plan, the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to stay implementation of the EPA’s rules, the moratorium on new coal leases, Bureau of Land Management’s proposed revision to venting and flaring rules, the new ground-level ozone standard, and policies that support renewable energy.
SESSION C: THE EASTERN MONTANA CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 29 2:00 - 4:00 PM | MADISON ROOM - BIGHORN CENTER |
SPEAKERS: Bill Williams & George Grgich, LP Amina
OVERVIEW: The session will provide information about a pilot program that LP Amina, Lignite Energy Council and Basin Electric Co-op is conducting in Beulah, ND that could be applied at the Colstrip Power Plants. LP Amina is a multinational environmental engineering company that provides proprietary solutions for reducing emissions at coal-fired and natural gas-fired power plants.
SESSION D: RANCHING, ENERGY & SAGE GROUSE MITIGATION (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 29, 3:00 - 4:00 PM | STILLWATER BALLROOM | PANEL DISCUSSION
MODERATOR: Joe Dooling, Business Development, KLJ
PANELISTS: Rusty Shaw, REM, CES, Environmental Compliance Manager, Denbury Resources, Inc.
Errol Rice, Executive Vice President, Montana Stockgrowers Association
John E. Tubbs, Director, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Jay Bodner, Director of Natural Resources, Montana Stockgrowers Association
OVERVIEW: The energy and ranching sectors share a common stake in Montana when it comes to the Greater Sage Grouse. The discussion will focus on the efforts taking place between the State of Montana and these two important industries regarding regulatory requirements and market based approaches to address wildlife habitat concerns and responsibly developing our energy resources.
SESSION E: ADDRESSING INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIENCIES IN EASTERN MONTANA (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 29, 3:00-4:00 PM | GALLATIN BALLROOM | PANEL DISCUSSION
MODERATOR: Webb Brown, President & CEO, Montana Chamber of Commerce
PANELISTS: Austin Knudsen, Speaker of the House, Montana State Representative (HD36)
Shoots Veis, Senior Project Engineer, Interstate Engineering Inc.
Duane Ankney, Montana State Senator (HD 43)
Jim Atchison, Executive Director, Southeastern Montana Development Corporation.
OVERVIEW: Infrastructure investment is critical to Montana’s economic growth, specifically in eastern Montana where the energy boom has created acute infrastructure deficiencies that cannot be adequately addressed with local revenue sources. The legislature has considered legislation that allows impacted areas to partner with the state to address infrastructure needs, however such legislation has not made it through the process. Reducing infrastructure deficiencies tomorrow will require a great deal of thought, planning, and action. The discussion will address the issues of defining our infrastructure deficiencies, prioritizing infrastructure projects and identifying adequate sources of revenue to tackle the challenge.
SESSION F: CARBON SEQUESTRATION (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 29, 3:00-4:00 PM | BITTERROOT BALLROOM |
SPEAKER: Lee Spangler, Ph.D., Director, Energy Research Institute, MSU
OVERVIEW: The discussion will focus on the basics of geologic carbon sequestration including necessary site properties, site selection and characterization, and monitoring activities. A brief description of major regulatory requirements will be presented, in
addition to some of MSU’s projects in this field.
SESSION G: COAL-DEPENDENT NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION IN THE POWDER RIVER BASIN (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 29, 3:00-4:00 PM | COTTONWOOD ROOM - ATRIUM/LOBBY |
SPEAKER: Matthew Fields, Ph.D., Director, Center for Biofilm Engineering, MSU
OVERIEW: The Powder River Basin (PRB) in southeast Montana and northeast Wyoming is one of the largest coal reserves and the site of both coal mining and coalbed methane (CBM) extraction. Most coal in the PRB is too deep to be mined by conventional means, however microorganisms in these coal seams produce biogenic CBM. The rate of natural biogenic CBM production is slower than that of commercial gas collection, resulting in an average CBM well lifespan of only 7-10 years. Many PRB CBM wells have been abandoned for this reason, creating an economic and environmental liability. Developing economically feasible in situ strategies for increasing the rate of coal to CBM conversion will provide a cleaner and renewable energy alternative to conventional coal and extend the life of already existing CBM production wells.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30
SESSION H: TAX ISSUES AFFECTING THE INDUSTRY (MT. CLE & AAPL APPROVED)
MARCH 30, 3:15-4:15 PM | STILLWATER BALLROOM |
SPEAKER: Jared M. Le Fevre, Partner, Crowley Fleck PLLP
OVERVIEW: The presentation will address recent developments in Montana and federal taxation affecting the regional energy industry. Topics will include court cases, state Legislation and administrative rules, key tax aspects concerning Montana energy taxation,
state tax incentives and tax “holidays” and federal tax developments.
SESSION I: INTEGRATED BIOSPECIALTY - MONTANA CROW DEMONSTRATION PROJECT (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 3:15 - 4:15 PM & 4:15-5:15 (SECOND OFFERING AS SESSION O) | BIGHORN ROOM - BIGHORN CENTER |
SPEAKER: Rocco A. Fiato, CTO, Accelergy Corporation
Brent Peyton, Ph.D., Professor, MSU
OVERVIEW: Accelergy Corporation and the Crow Nation will discuss a proposal to conduct a commercial scale demonstration of an Integrated Process System for BioSpecialty Production – Farm Soil Reclamation to restore dormant wheat producing lands to full productivity. The session will cover the background, plans and path forward for the joint effort.
SESSION J: UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES WORKING IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 3:15 - 4:15 PM | BITTERROOT BALLROOM |
MODERATOR: Adam Gilbertson, General Manager, RDO Integrated Controls
PANILISTS: Barritt Lovelace, Regional Manager, Collins Engineers, LTD
Tom Potter, North American Mining Sales Manager, RDO Integrated Controls
Matt Hays, UAV Mapping Solutions Manager, RDO Integrated Controls
OVERVIEW: The session will provide applications for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) technology in the energy industry and how commercial operations are starting to take shape in the U.S. The session will also include the current regulatory Section 333 exemption process and the impacts of the expected FAA rulemaking through the part 107 proposed rules. Presenters will discuss case studies of the use of UAVs in energy to include infrastructure inspections, site construction and transmission line maintenance.
SESSION K: U.S. MARKET OUTLOOK: LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 3:15 - 4:15 PM & 4:15-5:15 PM (SECOND OFFERING AS SESSION P) | MISSOURI BALLROOM |
SPEAKER: Porter B. Bennett, President & CEO, Ponderosa Advisors
OVERVIEW: The session will summarize current market trends for oil and gas production and prices and present Ponderosa Advisors’s most current outlook for the balance of the decade. The presentation will include the interrelationship between natural gas and oil markets, current global oil supply surplus, impact of low oil prices on natural gas production and markets and implications for energy policy into the future.
SESSION L: ENERGY & GROUNDWATER IN MONTANA (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 3:15 - 4:15 PM | YELLOWSTONE ROOM - BIGHORN CENTER |
SPEAKER: Elizabeth Meredith, Ph.D., Hydrogeologist, Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology, Montana Tech
OVERVIEW: The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) addresses the energy and groundwater nexus in Montana through a broad spectrum of programs. MBMG research on groundwater quality and quantity around coal mining, coalbed methane and oil and gas activities is used by industry, regulators and landowners. Results and interpretations are publically available and published annually.
SESSION M: REMEDIAL COAL SOLUTIONS (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 3:15 - 4:15 PM | POOLSIDE TERRACE |
SPEAKER: Jon Marbaise, NG Coal Solutions
OVERVIEW: NG Coal Solutions will present the benefits of deploying the Remedial Coal Solutions process, which produces multiple benefits for sub-bituminous coal burning utilities. Gains in efficiency, reduction in hazardous pollutants (Mercury, NOx, SOx, etc.) and a reduction in fuel to meet load are some of the benefits. In addition, Utilities will show between a 7-10 percent reduction in CO2. This makes substantial contribution to the Department of Energy’s current objective of developing and demonstrating advanced power generation and CO2 reduction and increasing efficiency of fossil-fueled power plants.
The RCS process has been tested and vetted by Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) Energy Resources & Trade, Alpha Natural Resources (ANR), North American Coal and most recently the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
SESSION N: Biomineralization Sealing Technology – A Promising Technology Developed in Montana (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 3:15 - 4:15 PM | COTTONWOOD ROOM - ATRIUM/LOBBY |
SPEAKER: Adie Phillips, Assistant Professor, MSU
OVERVIEW: The presentation will discuss a recently completed field-scale demonstration of the biomineralization sealing technology (approx. 1100 ft below ground surface) validating that microbially-induced calcium carbonate precipitation can be used to seal fractures surrounding wells. This session will summarize MSU’s efforts in developing this technology from the laboratory to the field scale and highlight future potential biomineralization applications including use in coal combustion residuals (CCR) systems, enhanced oil recovery, maintenance of well integrity, bioremediation, abatement of saltwater intrusion, and soil stabilization.
SESSION Q: ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY CONVERSION - ENHANCING FUEL CELL CATALYSTS FOR COMMERCIAL SCALE DEPLOYMENT & RELIABILITY (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 4:15 - 5:15 PM | BITTERROOT BALLROOM |
SPEAKER: Stephen Sofie, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, MSU
OVERVIEW: Nickel-based catalysts provide a strong performance metric and commercial price point for larger scale implementation of solid oxide fuels in both terrestrial and mobile based systems. Nickel, however has fundamental limitations related to the thermal stability of a metal at high temperature and resistance to hydrocarbon fuel contaminants. Extensive research is being performed on a global scale to find non-metal replacements to nickel electro-catalysts, however, the poor catalytic performance of oxides and materials compatibility to existing components and fabrication methods, yields key restrictions to their implementation by industrial fuel cell developers. Pioneering research at MSU is based upon novel methods to stabilize nano-scale nickel metal catalysts under thermal and chemical attack and offers a low impact implementation route to industrial development.
SESSION R: UNDERSTANDING BANKRUPTCY PRINCIPLES (MT. CLE & AAPL APPROVED)
MARCH 30, 4:15 - 5:15 PM | STILLWATER BALLROOM |
SPEAKER: Benjamin (Ben) Hursh, Partner, Crowley Fleck PLLP
OVERVIEW: As oil and other commodity prices drop, the energy sector has experienced an increase in bankruptcy filings.
These filings impact companies that file for bankruptcy protection, and their creditors, third-parties that operate businesses in the oilfields, the energy industry and their employees. As this segment of the economy struggles to find its footing, an understanding of bankruptcy principles and concepts is beneficial. This session is intended to introduce those concepts and provide a basis for navigating a bankruptcy filing.
SESSION S: WIND ENERGY RESEARCH IN MONTANA (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 4:15 - 5:15 PM | GALLATIN BALLROOM |
SPEAKER: Douglas S. Cairns, Lysle A. Wood Distinguished Professor, Mechanical & Technical Engineering, MSU
OVERVIEW: Research in wind energy is part of Montana’s energy research portfolio, with a longstanding record dating back to 1989. A brief overview of wind energy research in Montana will be provided, from basic research through applications. Achievements, challenges, and opportunities for wind energy research and development in Montana will be discussed.
MARCH 30, 3:15-4:15 PM | STILLWATER BALLROOM |
SPEAKER: Jared M. Le Fevre, Partner, Crowley Fleck PLLP
OVERVIEW: The presentation will address recent developments in Montana and federal taxation affecting the regional energy industry. Topics will include court cases, state Legislation and administrative rules, key tax aspects concerning Montana energy taxation,
state tax incentives and tax “holidays” and federal tax developments.
SESSION I: INTEGRATED BIOSPECIALTY - MONTANA CROW DEMONSTRATION PROJECT (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 3:15 - 4:15 PM & 4:15-5:15 (SECOND OFFERING AS SESSION O) | BIGHORN ROOM - BIGHORN CENTER |
SPEAKER: Rocco A. Fiato, CTO, Accelergy Corporation
Brent Peyton, Ph.D., Professor, MSU
OVERVIEW: Accelergy Corporation and the Crow Nation will discuss a proposal to conduct a commercial scale demonstration of an Integrated Process System for BioSpecialty Production – Farm Soil Reclamation to restore dormant wheat producing lands to full productivity. The session will cover the background, plans and path forward for the joint effort.
SESSION J: UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES WORKING IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 3:15 - 4:15 PM | BITTERROOT BALLROOM |
MODERATOR: Adam Gilbertson, General Manager, RDO Integrated Controls
PANILISTS: Barritt Lovelace, Regional Manager, Collins Engineers, LTD
Tom Potter, North American Mining Sales Manager, RDO Integrated Controls
Matt Hays, UAV Mapping Solutions Manager, RDO Integrated Controls
OVERVIEW: The session will provide applications for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) technology in the energy industry and how commercial operations are starting to take shape in the U.S. The session will also include the current regulatory Section 333 exemption process and the impacts of the expected FAA rulemaking through the part 107 proposed rules. Presenters will discuss case studies of the use of UAVs in energy to include infrastructure inspections, site construction and transmission line maintenance.
SESSION K: U.S. MARKET OUTLOOK: LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 3:15 - 4:15 PM & 4:15-5:15 PM (SECOND OFFERING AS SESSION P) | MISSOURI BALLROOM |
SPEAKER: Porter B. Bennett, President & CEO, Ponderosa Advisors
OVERVIEW: The session will summarize current market trends for oil and gas production and prices and present Ponderosa Advisors’s most current outlook for the balance of the decade. The presentation will include the interrelationship between natural gas and oil markets, current global oil supply surplus, impact of low oil prices on natural gas production and markets and implications for energy policy into the future.
SESSION L: ENERGY & GROUNDWATER IN MONTANA (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 3:15 - 4:15 PM | YELLOWSTONE ROOM - BIGHORN CENTER |
SPEAKER: Elizabeth Meredith, Ph.D., Hydrogeologist, Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology, Montana Tech
OVERVIEW: The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) addresses the energy and groundwater nexus in Montana through a broad spectrum of programs. MBMG research on groundwater quality and quantity around coal mining, coalbed methane and oil and gas activities is used by industry, regulators and landowners. Results and interpretations are publically available and published annually.
SESSION M: REMEDIAL COAL SOLUTIONS (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 3:15 - 4:15 PM | POOLSIDE TERRACE |
SPEAKER: Jon Marbaise, NG Coal Solutions
OVERVIEW: NG Coal Solutions will present the benefits of deploying the Remedial Coal Solutions process, which produces multiple benefits for sub-bituminous coal burning utilities. Gains in efficiency, reduction in hazardous pollutants (Mercury, NOx, SOx, etc.) and a reduction in fuel to meet load are some of the benefits. In addition, Utilities will show between a 7-10 percent reduction in CO2. This makes substantial contribution to the Department of Energy’s current objective of developing and demonstrating advanced power generation and CO2 reduction and increasing efficiency of fossil-fueled power plants.
The RCS process has been tested and vetted by Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) Energy Resources & Trade, Alpha Natural Resources (ANR), North American Coal and most recently the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
SESSION N: Biomineralization Sealing Technology – A Promising Technology Developed in Montana (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 3:15 - 4:15 PM | COTTONWOOD ROOM - ATRIUM/LOBBY |
SPEAKER: Adie Phillips, Assistant Professor, MSU
OVERVIEW: The presentation will discuss a recently completed field-scale demonstration of the biomineralization sealing technology (approx. 1100 ft below ground surface) validating that microbially-induced calcium carbonate precipitation can be used to seal fractures surrounding wells. This session will summarize MSU’s efforts in developing this technology from the laboratory to the field scale and highlight future potential biomineralization applications including use in coal combustion residuals (CCR) systems, enhanced oil recovery, maintenance of well integrity, bioremediation, abatement of saltwater intrusion, and soil stabilization.
SESSION Q: ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY CONVERSION - ENHANCING FUEL CELL CATALYSTS FOR COMMERCIAL SCALE DEPLOYMENT & RELIABILITY (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 4:15 - 5:15 PM | BITTERROOT BALLROOM |
SPEAKER: Stephen Sofie, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, MSU
OVERVIEW: Nickel-based catalysts provide a strong performance metric and commercial price point for larger scale implementation of solid oxide fuels in both terrestrial and mobile based systems. Nickel, however has fundamental limitations related to the thermal stability of a metal at high temperature and resistance to hydrocarbon fuel contaminants. Extensive research is being performed on a global scale to find non-metal replacements to nickel electro-catalysts, however, the poor catalytic performance of oxides and materials compatibility to existing components and fabrication methods, yields key restrictions to their implementation by industrial fuel cell developers. Pioneering research at MSU is based upon novel methods to stabilize nano-scale nickel metal catalysts under thermal and chemical attack and offers a low impact implementation route to industrial development.
SESSION R: UNDERSTANDING BANKRUPTCY PRINCIPLES (MT. CLE & AAPL APPROVED)
MARCH 30, 4:15 - 5:15 PM | STILLWATER BALLROOM |
SPEAKER: Benjamin (Ben) Hursh, Partner, Crowley Fleck PLLP
OVERVIEW: As oil and other commodity prices drop, the energy sector has experienced an increase in bankruptcy filings.
These filings impact companies that file for bankruptcy protection, and their creditors, third-parties that operate businesses in the oilfields, the energy industry and their employees. As this segment of the economy struggles to find its footing, an understanding of bankruptcy principles and concepts is beneficial. This session is intended to introduce those concepts and provide a basis for navigating a bankruptcy filing.
SESSION S: WIND ENERGY RESEARCH IN MONTANA (CE ELIGIBLE)
MARCH 30, 4:15 - 5:15 PM | GALLATIN BALLROOM |
SPEAKER: Douglas S. Cairns, Lysle A. Wood Distinguished Professor, Mechanical & Technical Engineering, MSU
OVERVIEW: Research in wind energy is part of Montana’s energy research portfolio, with a longstanding record dating back to 1989. A brief overview of wind energy research in Montana will be provided, from basic research through applications. Achievements, challenges, and opportunities for wind energy research and development in Montana will be discussed.