Burgum leads trade and investment mission to Korea, signs MOU with Korea Institute of Energy Research
Last week Gov. Doug Burgum led a North Dakota delegation on a trade and investment mission to South Korea. On Monday, the delegation began the trip by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the state of North Dakota and the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) to establish a partnership and promote discussions in energy technology research and development.
With a population of nearly 52 million people in an area slightly over half the size of North Dakota, South Korea – officially the Republic of Korea (ROK) – is the world’s second-largest exporter to North Dakota and 17th-largest export market for North Dakota. The ROK is the eighth-largest export market for the United States and is the world’s sixth-largest exporter to the United States. The ROK’s foreign direct investment in the United States was nearly $75 billion in 2022, an increase of 5.8% from the previous year.
The MOU signed Monday highlights energy as a vital factor for both the ROK and North Dakota economic development and stability, with both parties working together to identify common goals and areas of mutual interest. Those areas include information exchange, business opportunity expansion and alliances, and support for technological progress and innovation – including enhancing research capabilities in advanced clean energy technologies such as carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and batteries.
"North Dakota is a leader in energy innovation, and this partnership with Korea will enhance our competitiveness by advancing groundbreaking solutions in hydrogen, carbon capture and clean energy – helping us to continue building an all-of-the-approve energy supply network that combines fossil fuels and renewables," Burgum said.
The signing ceremony at KIER headquarters in Daejeon was attended by Burgum, KIER President Chang-Keun Yi, Vice President Seong Ok Han and Charles Gorecki, CEO of the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota, as well as Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen and North Dakota Trade Office Executive Director Drew Combs.
“This MOU serves as a stepping stone for the further development of energy technology between Korea and the United States. KIER will continue to expand international joint research in the energy technology field to achieve national carbon neutrality,” Yi said.
North Dakota’s unique geological structure has the potential to store approximately 250 billion tons of carbon dioxide – enough to store all the United States’ CO2 output for the next 50 years. The state aims to achieve carbon neutral status by 2030 through innovation with no new mandates or regulations, and carbon capture is core to meeting that goal. KIER is Korea’s only government-funded research institute, with its own mission of leading their country to carbon neutralization by 2050 through technological innovation and commercialization, including hydrogen, renewables, energy efficiency, and carbon-based clean energy.
KIER was the first stop on the weeklong trade and investment mission to the ROK for Burgum and fellow members of the North Dakota delegation from the North Dakota Department of Commerce, North Dakota Trade Office, EERC and North Dakota companies representing agriculture, energy, manufacturing, aerospace and technology.
Burgum signs MOU with Korean UAS association, expanding North Dakota’s collaboration opportunities
On Tuesday, Gov. Burgum and Korea Research Association for Unmanned Vehicles (KRAUV) Chairman Choi Myungjin signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the state of North Dakota and KRAUV to establish a partnership and promote collaboration in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) research and development.
KRAUV is focused on the advancement of UAS technology in Korea and the continued development of the country’s UAS ecosystem. Much like the state of North Dakota, the South Korean government is a strong proponent of UAS development, investing well over $1 billion to grow the industry and establishing policies supportive of UAS research, development and commercialization. The nation has also invested millions of dollars in its own UAS military fleet to protect its borders.
“Working together with KRAUV to advance UAS research and development will help North Dakota further cement our status as a global leader in this industry while also strengthening our relationship with the Republic of Korea, one of our state’s top trading partners and a key U.S. ally,” Burgum said. “From monitoring crops and assessing risks to energy infrastructure, to emergency response and defense capabilities, the list of UAS applications continues to grow, and we’re grateful for KRAUV’s partnership in exploring and developing those possibilities into jobs and economic growth.”
Myungjin highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration, stating, “North Dakota is recognized for its world-class UAS infrastructure, particularly in testing capabilities. Through this partnership, we are confident that Korean companies will build a strong foothold in the international market, beginning with North Dakota. Today’s agreement will stimulate greater investment between Korea and North Dakota, supporting sustainable growth and serving as a crucial step towards creating a vibrant global unmanned vehicle ecosystem. KRAUV remains committed to fostering the growth and progress of the global unmanned vehicle industry.”
The signing ceremony in Seoul was attended by Burgum, Myungjin, Teigen Combs, among others.
North Dakota is a UAS leader in the United States. The Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks constitutes the hub of the state’s UAS ecosystem. A designated FAA partner, the Test Site boasts the nation’s first Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) system in Vantis. Additionally, the University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences offers the first UAS degree program in the nation, and Grand Sky Business Park is the first of its kind, offering commercial UAS business and aviation services adjacent to the Grand Forks Air Force Base.
Miller, Richardton Development Co. break ground on new child care center
Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller along with the Richardton Development Co. (RDC) and North Dakota Department of Commerce Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howe celebrated the groundbreaking of a new child care center in Richardton last week. The project is made possible thanks to funding from the North Dakota Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP).
The new child care center will provide much-needed care for up to 38 children in the Richardton area. It is a turnkey building, allowing the RDC to own the building and offer affordable monthly fees to directors. This will be the first child care center in Richardton and neighboring Taylor.
“We are thrilled to break ground on this new child care facility,” said Richardton Development Co. President Ambrose Hoff. “Child care is a critical need in our community, and this project will help to address that need while also supporting our local workforce.”
The RWIP has been instrumental in funding projects like this one. Since its inception, the program has awarded $25.8 million in grants to support workforce initiatives across the state. These grants have helped to create 2,235 additional child care slots and have funded 51 child care projects.
“The RWIP is a valuable resource for communities across North Dakota,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “This project is an excellent example of how the program empowered a local solution to a critical workforce challenge.”
The new child care center is expected to be completed early 2025. It will be a significant addition to the Richardton community and will provide families with access to affordable, quality child care.
Miller joins send-off ceremony for ND National Guard's 142nd Engineer Battalion
Lt. Gov. Miller joined the North Dakota National Guard for a send-off ceremony for the 142nd Engineer Battalion.
Approximately 50 soldiers from the 142nd Engineer Battalion will support Joint Task Force North and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the southern border for a one-year deployment.
Join us for the eighth annual Recovery Reinvented Oct. 30 in Bismarck
State and national addiction experts will share their insight into how to turn ‘Advocacy into Action’ at the eighth annual “Recovery Reinvented,” an event dedicated to ending the shame and stigma surrounding the disease of addiction.
The experience will be hosted by Gov. Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum and will be free for both in-person attendees and online via livestream broadcast on recoveryreinvented.com.
Recovery Reinvented is free and open to the public, but space is limited, and registration is required. Registrants will be asked to indicate if they will attend in-person or virtually for the day-of experience and may update their registration status at any point.
2024 Governor’s Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism Now Open
The North Dakota Governor's Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism is back, inviting residents to capture the beauty and excitement of our state for a chance to win cash prizes and statewide recognition. This year’s contest is a partnership between the Governor's Office, AAA of North Dakota, North Dakota Tourism and the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
“North Dakota is a state of extraordinary beauty and diverse experiences, and this photo contest is a wonderful opportunity for residents to showcase what makes our state special,” Gov. Burgum said. “We encourage everyone to participate, capture the magic of our seasons, and share their unique perspectives with the world. Let’s celebrate North Dakota’s beauty together and inspire others to discover our great state.”
This year's theme highlights North Dakota's diverse seasons, showcasing the unique appeal of our state throughout the year. Photographers can submit entries in eight categories:
- Winter Scenery & Winter Activities
- Fall Scenery & Fall Activities
- Spring Scenery & Spring Activities
- Summer Scenery & Summer Activities
The contest is open to all North Dakota residents. Photographers can submit their entries online through Instagram, the contest website, or Flickr, or by mail. The deadline for entries is Jan. 31, 2025.
Winners will be chosen in each category, with a grand prize winner receiving an additional cash prize and a free AAA membership. Winning photos will also be displayed in the State Capitol and used in promotional materials.
Full details and contest rules can be found at https://www.ndtourism.com/governors-photo-contest-entry.