The Lignite Energy Council has named Jason Laumb as vice president of research and development. Laumb will join the organization in May and will succeed Mike Holmes, who is stepping down after over 25 years of service advancing lignite research and technology initiatives.

Laumb brings nearly three decades of experience in energy systems research and development. He most recently served as director of Advanced Energy Systems Initiatives at the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota, where he worked on advanced power systems, carbon capture, emissions control technologies, grid analysis and critical minerals development.

At the Lignite Energy Council, Laumb will lead research, development and technology commercialization efforts supporting North Dakota’s lignite industry. He will also serve as the technical advisor of the Lignite Research Program under the North Dakota Industrial Commission .

“Jason brings a deep understanding of both the science and the strategy behind lignite research with a focus on commercial applications,” said Jonathan Fortner, president and CEO of the Lignite Energy Council. “His experience leading complex research programs and building partnerships across industry and government will help ensure North Dakota’s lignite industry continues to innovate, remain competitive and pursue new opportunities for growth.”

Laumb said he looks forward to continuing the industry’s strong tradition of innovation and collaboration.

“I’ve spent much of my career working alongside North Dakota’s lignite industry, and I’m excited to continue that work in this new role,” Laumb said. “The research program has a strong track record of solving technical challenges and identifying new opportunities. I look forward to building on that foundation to support reliable energy while expanding new technologies and markets for lignite.”

Holmes, who joined the Lignite Energy Council in 2017 after a distinguished career at the EERC, will retire in June. During his tenure, he helped guide research initiatives and advance projects related to carbon management, emissions controls, and new technologies for lignite utilization.

“Mike’s technical leadership and dedication to the industry have made a lasting impact on the lignite research program and the broader energy community,” Fortner said. “We thank him for his service and look forward to building on that strong foundation as Jason steps into this role.”