Listeners joined a panel of representatives from different agencies to discuss the soybean crushing plant being built at the Spiritwood Energy Park

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Synergy was the common message from tenants of the Spiritwood Energy Park and the announced ADM Soybean Crushing Facility expected to be operable by 2023 harvest.

A panel consisting of representatives of ADM, Great River Energy (GRE), Midwest Ag Energy, and the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation (JSDC) was sponsored by the Jamestown Chamber Ag & Energy Committee at the Winter Ag & Construction Expo.

GRE Spiritwood Station Manager Glenn Hauck spoke first, saying the steam and electricity they generate will go one to help both ADM and Midwest Ag Energy.

Hauck says they’ve been in negotiations with ADM for a potential steam contract.

JSDC CEO and Spiritwood Energy Park Association COO Connie Ova stated that they’ve been partnering with Great River Energy from the beginning to create the park.

Ova says they’ve since worked with the state and other entities to entice ADM to come to the region, stating they’re thrilled that they were able to bring in the needed plant.

ADM Vice President Mike Keller informed the panel that demolition was being conducted and their project remains “on schedule and on budget” as they aim for a 2023 start date.

Midwest AgEnergy Group CEO Jeff Zueger says they’re no strangers to working with other plants, as both their Underwood and Spiritwood locations continue to work with combined heat and power.

Zueger added the Spiritwood station is operating on beneficiated lignite. GRE has expressed desire to move away from lignite coal to find a less carbon-intensive fuel source for the station.

You can watch the full panel discussion below: