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

Exploring Nuclear: Montana’s Role in a Carbon-Free Future

This panel will explore how Montana can shape the future of nuclear power and its integration into a diversified energy portfolio. Panelists will share insights from NorthWestern Energy on their decision-making process, future plans, and how nuclear fits into their broader energy strategy. The discussion will also examine the potential economic benefits of nuclear energy projects for Montana’s communities and statewide economy, as well as the legislative considerations shaping nuclear development. In addition, panelists will highlight supply chain opportunities, including uranium mining and processing, and how Montana can participate in various stages of the nuclear fuel cycle. Together, these perspectives will offer a comprehensive view of how nuclear energy can drive economic growth, energy diversification, and long-term sustainability across the state.

Moderator:   Emily Nichols, Project Coordinator Idaho National Laboratory – Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear

Panelists: Bleau LaFave, VP Asset Management & Business Development – Northwestern Energy, Gary Parry, Montana State Representative, Will Jensen, Economist – Idaho National Laboratory

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 Lograsso, Director, Critical Materials Innovation Hub, Ames National 

Panel 1: 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 (confirmed)

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

1. Jack Skinner, Dean, Lance College of Mines and Engineering, Montana Technological University
2. John Mosher, Vice President, Global Security, Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold 
3. Craig M. Bleile, Director S&T, R&D and Experimentation, Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport 

Panel 2: Materials for Energy

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

Moderator: Zack Kelly, Plant Production Manager, REC Silicon (confirmed)

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

1. Thomas Lograsso, Director, Critical Materials Innovation Hub, Ames National Laboratory 
2. Travis McLing, Chief Geologist Directorate Fellow, INL\CAES Geothermal and Critical Minerals Lead
3. Eric Dahlgren – Mining Bureau Chief, Montana Department of Environmental Quality
4. Richard LaDouceur, Mechanical Engineering Department Head and Associate Professor, Montana Technological University

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. Dan Janney, Vice President, Montana Resources

Panel 4: Materials from Reclamation and Recycling

Themes: Case studies and opportunities

Moderator: Thomas McIntyre, Consultant and MME IAB Chair (confirmed)

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 
3. Victoria Mortan, Environmental Engineer, Nucor Corporation 

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