Clemson University is embarking on its long-term clean energy strategic plan, in an attempt to do its part to thrust the state and the nation into the green revolution which includes the development of alternative energies and the creation of “green” jobs.  An important component for the execution of the ambitious plan is the proposed International Center For Wind-energy Systems at the Restoration Institute in North Charleston. The facility will be anchored by a $98 million wind turbine drive-train testing facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, along with state and private sources. Executive Director of the Restoration Institute Dr. John Kelly called the overall plan ambitious, long term, but also realistic and achievable.

“We’re trying to approach it from three angles. One is the testing of the turbines in order to understand where the limitations are, research and development of the industry that advances the industry and allows them to become more and more competitive, and provides the students and graduation education courses so that we have the people that are well qualified to make this country the innovation country it used to be.”

Kelly says the goal is to have the facility up and running in 24 to 28 months.

Kelly says North Charleston was chosen for the facility from a logistical standpoint.  The massive size of the wind turbines that weigh in the range of 300 to 400 tons. “Because of the size of the turbines they’ll be much easier moved by water or short distances over  land than they would either by rail or over the highway system. Size alone dictates that you must be close to a port for the testing and deployment of the turbines.”

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