Restoration Institute to represent South Carolina on offshore wind consortium

Published: March 30, 2010

Clemson University Restoration Institute image by: Clemson University Restoration Institute

NORTH CHARLESTON — As part of an effort to advance the U.S. offshore wind industry, Clemson University Restoration Institute’s Nick Rigas will represent the state of South Carolina on the newly formed Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Consortium.

Under the guidance of Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, the consortium will contribute to an effective working partnership between the Department of the Interior and Atlantic coastal states interested in developing offshore wind projects.

The consortium meets for the first time Tuesday in Washington, where discussions will include development of an action plan, setting of goals and priorities and first steps for the consortium.

An offshore wind industry is forecast to enhance the nation’s energy security, create thousands of jobs and support investment through renewable-energy technologies. Consortium members will share data and other information and collaborate in other areas to help nurture regional approaches to offshore wind development.

Many East Coast states, including South Carolina, are exploring development of offshore wind farms.

The Restoration Institute is a founding member of Palmetto Wind, the state’s pioneering offshore wind collaborative, and is home to what will be the world’s largest wind-turbine drive-train testing facility.

The U.S. Department of Energy in November selected the Restoration Institute and its partners to build the testing facility. The energy department awarded the institute a $45 million grant that was matched with $53 million from public and private partners.

As senior scientist and director of the facility, Rigas has overall responsibility for design, construction and operation of what will be the only facility in the world capable of testing wind turbine drive trains in the 5 megawatt to 15 megawatt range, with 30 percent overload capacity.

Rigas also is director of the Restoration Institute’s Renewable Energy focus area, working to promote development of South Carolina’s indigenous clean-energy resources for economic development, energy security, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for the state’s citizens.

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