Energy and Critical Materials Summit Schedule

Montana's Energy and Materials Treasures

Montana fueled the industrial revolution with resources such as timber, copper, coal, and food. The state benefitted from jobs and development of extensive transportation networks, in particular.

Historically, Montana has been treated as a “resource extraction” state, which reflects in our above-average employment rate but below-average income.

The 21^st Century, brings new challenges and opportunities, particularly associated with energy and critical materials.

• Moderator: Paul Roege, Advanced nuclear and production expert, Creative Erg, LLC
• Panelists: JP Gallagher, Butte-Silver Bow, Rob Corbin, Sr. Vice President of Energy Development, Sabey Data Centers; Jack Standa, President, Montana Resources

National Energy Insights

Our nation is undergoing rapid change in energy policy and investments in all forms of energy development.  What are energy experts seeing as opportunities and challenges moving forward?

• Moderator: Dr. Scott Tinker, Switch Energy Alliance
• Panelists: Dave Whitehead, President and CEO, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories; Brian Bird, CEO, Northwestern Energy; Skye Callantine, Executive Chairman, Validus Energy; John Hopkins, CEO NuScale Power

Montana's Nuclear Potential

Montana presently has no nuclear energy generation and neighboring states are moving forward with nuclear generation to provide reliable dispatchable carbon free energy. Should Montana consider nuclear energy for our power network?   Can Montana use microreactors for mining applications?  Can Montana be a source of nuclear fuel? Regional experts share their insights.

• Moderator(s): Lori Braase, Senior Advisor, Idaho National Laboratories, Emily Nichols, Project Coordinator INL/GAIN
• Panelist(s): Lori Braase, Senior Advisor, Idaho National Laboratories; Emily Nichols, Project Coordinator INL/GAIN

The Future of Colstrip

The Montana Power Company made a historic investment in Colstrip fifty years ago to provide Montana with its most important energy source.  Montana will depend on Colstrip for many years, but what is the future of Colstrip?  What are its present energy and environmental impacts and what are options for the future?  How do we take advantage of the skilled workforce and electric transmission in Colstrip.  What role will the North Plains connector have?

• Moderator: Sonja Nowakowski, Director, Montana DEQ
• Panelist(s): Jim Atchison, Southeastern Montana Economic Development; Mike Cashell, VP Transmission, NorthWestern Energy, Brant Johnson, Grid United

Emerging Energy Technology

From advanced carbon capture to breakthrough energy storage, emerging technologies are reshaping the future of energy. Hear from experts on these game-changing technologies.

• Moderator: Dr. Dan Trudnowski, Ph.D., Professor, Electrical Engineering, Montana Tech
• Panelists: Eric Jacobsen, President, Upstream, BKV Corporation; Ray Byrne, Program Manager, Energy Storage - Sandia National Laboratories

Q&A and Wrap-up 
Moderator: Bob Morris, Lance Endowed Energy Chair

Welcome and Opening Remarks
Summit Chair: Dr. Jerry Downey, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department Head, Montana Technological University

Keynote Address
Thomas LaGrasso, Director, Critical Materials Innovation Hub, Ames National 

Panel 1: Materials for Energy 

Themes: Grid storage, solar PV materials, rare earths for wind turbines

Moderator: Zack Kelly, Plant Production Manager, REC Silicon 

Panelists: representatives from national labs, energy companies, or battery and renewable energy sectors

1. Travis McLing, Chief Geologist Directorate Fellow, INL\CAES Geothermal and Critical Minerals Lead. 
2. Representative from the Air, Energy and Mining Division, Montana Department of Environmental Quality

Panel 2: Materials for Defense and Homeland Security

Themes: Critical material requirements; supply chain risks, strategic stockpiles

Moderator: Rolf Ziesing, Vice President, Maritime Programs, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Groups 

Panelists: representatives from DoD, defense contractors, critical metals suppliers

Panel 3: Primary Production with Emphasis on Montana

Themes: Domestic production of critical materials, policy and permitting

Moderator: Terence McNulty, T.P. McNulty & Associates

Panelists: mining company executives, processing experts, MBMG

1. John Metesh, State Geologist and Director, Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology 
2. Heather McDowell, Vice President for Legal and External Affairs, Sibanye-Stillwater 
3. Matthew Vincent, Executive Director, Montana Mining Association Representative 
4. Jack Standa, President, Montana Resources 

Panel 4: Materials from Reclamation and Recycling

Themes: Case studies and opportunities

Moderator: Thomas McIntyre, Consultant and MME IAB Chair

Panelists (experts on urban mining, e-waste, mine tailings reclamation, case studies):

1. Glendon Archer, president and CEO of Metallica Commodities Corporation – Non-Ferrous Traders 
2. Stephanie Hill, founder, Granite Resource Energy Network

Closing Synthesis: Roundtable Reflections

Theme: Summary of key takeaways and research/policy directions

Moderator: Katie Hailer, Interim Vice Chancellor for Research, Montana Technological University

Panelists: the moderators from the previous four panel discussions