GRAND FORKS (AP) - The University of North Dakota is exploring a plan to generate its own electricity using a new process to burn lignite coal mined in North Dakota.

The Energy and Environmental Research Center and the UND facilities department are in the early stages of developing the plan, which officials say could give the campus a more reliable source of electricity and create marketable technology for the university.

Rick Tonder, UND associate facilities director, said the proposed coal plant would make the university more environmentally friendly by reducing emissions, while at the same time increasing the market for North Dakota lignite

UND attempted to burn lignite last year, but was forced to switch to sub-bituminous coal from Montana and Wyoming because levels of ash emitted through the boilers were approaching emissions guidelines set by the state Health Department.

Tonder estimated it would take at least five years to build and certify the new plant at a cost of $30 million to $50 million.

Tom Erickson, the EERC's associate director of research, said if the plant is built, it also could function as a platform for future EERC research into clean coal technology.

Erickson said the EERC and facilities department will work over the next few months on developing a more detailed plan and timeline.

"Everything's in its infancy right now," he said. "A lot will evolve over the next couple of months."

Tonder said UND and the EERC would partner with Xcel Energy and the Lignite Council of North Dakota on the proposed project.

UND President Charles Kupchella said he supports the plan.

"This is a long-range deal," Kupchella said. "Sometimes, it's 10 years before an idea is actually realized and funded."