South Carolina is advancing America’s clean energy transition
In October 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) designated the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS) as one of 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) nationwide. Led by the South Carolina Department of Commerce, SC NEXUS aims to be a global leader in advanced resilient energy by developing, testing, and deploying exportable electricity technologies tools critical to the national and global advanced energy supply chain.
SC NEXUS will leverage the region’s dynamic and growing manufacturing base, superior research capabilities, and demonstrated record of public-private collaboration to innovate and commercialize emerging energy storage materials and manufacturing techniques. In doing so, SC NEXUS seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing and national energy security.
SC NEXUS – A Federally Designated Tech Hub, by the Numbers
- In February 2024, SC NEXUS applied for Phase Two funding from the EDA which will award up to $40 million-$75 million for five to 10 Tech Hubs.
- SC NEXUS’ three advanced energy target areas are generation, transmission and distribution, and storage.
- SC NEXUS is one of only five Tech Hubs focused on advanced energy, and one of only three Tech Hubs in the Southeast U.S.
- SC NEXUS’ geographic focus on South Carolina’s Midlands and Upstate regions includes 60%+ of the state’s distressed counties.>
- SC NEXUS aims to source more than 40% of jobs from underserved and rural communities.
- The new energy economy is expected to create 14,000+ jobs in South Carolina by 2030, based on its current trajectory.
Driving advanced energy
transmission and distribution
With an initial focus on advanced energy transmission and distribution for its Phase 2 funding application, SC NEXUS identified the following six projects to launch the Tech Hub's efforts.
Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation (CIBI)
Led by University of South Carolina, this project will establish a stationary battery manufacturing pilot line in Columbia.
H2 Resilience Demonstrator and Testbed
Led by Rolls Royce, this project will establish a demonstration hydrogen storage system in Graniteville, designed to provide resilience during multi-day peak periods or climate-related events.
Grid Enabled Cyber Operations Range (GECO)
Led by Savannah River National Lab, this project will establish a cyber testing range for grid connected equipment, with both grid operator training and equipment testing benefits.
Economic Development through Grid Emulation (EDGE)
Led by Clemson University, this project will upgrade the North Charleston eGRID facility power and voltage testing capabilities for grid-connected equipment.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Exchange (eiX)
Led by South Carolina Research Authority, this project will provide comprehensive business, technical and hands-on training, leverages and connects assets of existing entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem across the SC Nexus hub, and deploy additional capital and incentives to support new and growing startups.
Education and Workforce Center
Led by SC Technical College System, this project will enhance awareness of South Carolina’s energy-focused industries and job opportunities, identify, and develop the skills necessary for success in these roles, and provide critical support services to ensure advanced energy workers have access to these opportunities.
Securing South Carolina’s
energy future
A Tech Hubs Designation is a strong endorsement of the SC NEXUS region’s plan to supercharge a critical technology ecosystem and become a global innovation leader during the next decade, creating jobs and improving opportunities for South Carolinians while helping to secure the nation's economic and national security priorities.
Pursuing the Tech Hubs designation is in line with Governor Henry McMaster’s Executive Order 2023-18, designed to secure South Carolina’s energy future. Related efforts will complement and reinforce the work of powerSC, which the executive order established. Additionally, SC NEXUS has garnered support from South Carolina’s entire federal legislative delegation, as well as key leaders from the South Carolina House and Senate.
The power of working together
A public and private consortium led by S.C. Commerce, SC NEXUS currently consists of more than 50 members, including seven core members. In addition to S.C. Commerce, the initial, core members are Savannah River National Lab, Clemson University, South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes), South Carolina State University, South Carolina Technical College System, and the University of South Carolina.
For consideration as a member of the SC NEXUS Consortium, please complete the Consortium Member Interest Form.
Photo credit: https://news.clemson.edu/researchers-work-to-develop-safer-alternatives-to-complement-lithium-ion-batteries/