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 dioxid...