One of the primary goals of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology’s Energy
Resources Initiative (ERI) is to conduct research that improves the efficiency and reduces the environmental risks of producing fossil fuels while providing energy security for America.
While the country’s oil and gas industry has been in a down cycle, recent data shows US production is reaching a peak
not seen since the 1970s due to increased development of shale oil and gas. Dan Soeder, the new ERI director, is an industry expert on development of shale resources and reserves. Soeder is less than a year into his new position at SD Mines. He has
spent this time quietly putting down roots to firmly establish the program. Soeder has been developing research projects, building relationships with industry and pursuing funding. The aim is for SD Mines to grow as a valuable industry resource, both
in supplying future engineers for this sector and in providing solutions for efficient and safe oil and gas production.
Soeder left the U.S. Department of Energy last spring to become Mines’ first ERI director, bringing with him 30 years of experience as a hydrologist and a geologist, with a particular focus on shale gas, water resources, and sequestration of carbon dioxide.
The ERI was initially announced in 2014 – when th...