BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The North Dakota Industrial Commission has awarded $1,000,000 in Renewable Energy Program matching funds for two projects that enhance renewable energy.

One of the projects receiving funding was the Spiritwood Greenhouse CO2 Supply Project. $500,000 was awarded to Glass Investments Projects Inc. to help develop a CO2 collection and distribution system between the Dakota Spirit ethanol biorefinery and a proposed 27-acre commercial greenhouse within the Spiritwood Energy Park near Spiritwood, ND.

The total cost for the project is estimated to be around $1,884,713.

If successful, the business model utilized on this project can easily be transferred to other ethanol biorefineries with CO2 availability.

In a joint statement the Commission said, “This project will help diversify revenue streams at a North Dakota ethanol plant by taking a byproduct and monetizing it while enabling the local production of fresh produce year-round.”

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. 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 August 1, 2021. For more information on approved projects or the program, contact Jonathan Russo (701- 328-5347) or Andrea Pfennig (701-328-3786) or visit: www.nd.gov/ndic/renew-infopage.htm