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.”
Kelly says when the facility is up and running the largest wind turbine it will be able to test is a 15 megawatt turbine. Kelly points out that the largest turbine being constructed in the world right now is a 10 megawatt turbine so that indicates that the testing facility in North Charleston will be on the cutting edge of wind energy technology. Kelly says the idea is to test the equipment to the point of failure in order to work with companies to develop components that have maximum reliability.
“Once that’s identified, the company can go back and employ some advanced technologies to fix the component or components that failed. Then install those new components into the turbine for further testing. You’re trying to approach perfection essentially in the engineering and mechanical side of what goes in to a wind turbine. The aim is to increase reliability, reduce costs, and increase investment.”
Kelly says on average one megawatt of energy can provide power for about 400 homes.
Kelly says ultimately for South Carolina to be a leader in the creation of alternative energy, investment in education will have to be at the forefront. “If you’re going to build this green energy economy you’re going to have to educate a workforce, a brand new kind of workforce or the existing people in the workforce are going to need additional educational opportunities so they can continue to push this technology to the limits.”
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the manufacturing of wind turbines and associated components eventually could generate up to 20,000 jobs in South Carolina.
