Even though a wealth of resources and bustling industries already exist in North Dakota, there is potential to develop so much more. Here’s what you could be part of in the region’s future:

• Ethanol. Being a top agricultural state, this would be an ideal place to produce ethanol. Locating next to an existing power plant would reduce exposure to natural gas price volatility and provide access to transportation infrastructure.

• Food processing. Combining agriculture and energy production in food processing is another logical choice. Some years ago, a group of wheat farmers created Dakota Growers Pasta Company and have since built it into the nation’s third largest pasta producer. A company taking advantage of low-cost heat, steam and energy by locating next to a power plant could do even better.

• Greenhouses. The rising costs for heating and lighting have presented challenges for many greenhouses producing vegetables, flowers, seedlings and more. By locating adjacent to a power plant and taking advantage of the region’s extensive agricultural knowledge base and transportation infrastructure, greenhouse growers gain a competitive edge.

• Wind energy. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that North Dakota has the potential to produce 1.2 billion kilowatt-hours of wind energy per year. Several wind projects have already been built in the state in recent years.

• Coal liquefaction. This process uses coal as a feedstock to produce diesel fuel. As energy prices climb and our nation’s interest in energy independence increases, the potential to produce liquid fuels from the region’s abundant, inexpensive coal reserves becomes more feasible.

• Byproduct development. There are many more byproducts both from the coal gasification process and from electricity generation that could be developed. Flyash for building materials is one example. Argon and cresylic acid also have potential.