Clemson University announces three-part clean-energy plan

Published: April 16, 2010

Clemson will research ways to make wind turbines more efficient. image by: Clemson University

CLEMSON — Creating and attracting “green” jobs, preparing people to fill them and generating innovations to propel the state and nation into energy leadership positions are the goals of Clemson University’s clean-energy strategic plan, outlined in a white paper released Friday, April 16.

“Clemson University is launching a major initiative to address one of the great challenges of the 21^st century for South Carolina and the nation: energy,” said President James F. Barker.

“Energy is interwoven with the nation’s economic, environmental and national security interests and affects every citizen on a daily basis. The search for alternative, renewable and cleaner sources of energy also promises to stimulate scientific research and create jobs. It is not only appropriate for Clemson to be involved in the development of a green economy for South Carolina, it is mandatory,” Barker said.

The white paper – titled “Clemson University’s Commitment to Green Economic Development” (see link at right) — draws from the proceedings of two energy-related summits Clemson hosted in late 2009. The events drew hundreds of academic, industry and government leaders and included keynote addresses by U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, General Electric Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey R. Immelt and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, and panel discussions. (See selected quotes from the white paper.)

“The overriding message consistently delivered by speakers at both events is that the United States must act now to regain world leadership status in clean energy, technology and innovation,” said John W. Kelly Jr., vice president for public service and agriculture and director of the Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI), which hosted the events. “As Secretary Chu said, we have the opportunity to lead a new industrial revolution that will decrease our dependence on foreign oil, reduce pollution, and strengthen our economy. Or we can watch as other nations move into leadership roles and reap the benefits.”

Clemson’s commitment comprises three key elements:

• Educational programs, from certifications to graduate levels, to enhance the skills of the current work force in energy-related industries and prepare the next generation of talent
• Innovation and technology transfer through growth of research in targeted areas and continued development of the university’s innovation campuses
• An initiative to transform the main campus into a national model for sustainability: a net-zero carbon emissions university.

Kelly called the plan “ambitious and long-term, but also realistic and achievable,” noting that many priorities already are moving forward, such as:

• Development of a proposed international center for wind-energy systems at the Restoration Institute in North Charleston, anchored by a $98 million wind-turbine drive-train testing facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, state and private resources
• Approval of degree and certification programs, including a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering and a series of online certification courses for place-bound technical and engineering professionals
• Launch of the planning process for developing a net-zero campus — a comprehensive system of renewable-energy production, efficient distribution and conservation that will eliminate the use of coal, offer research and educational opportunities for faculty and students, and provide partners with innovative solutions, technology testing and demonstration sites for pilot programs.

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Ranked No. 22 among national public universities, Clemson is a land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented research university that maintains a strong commitment to teaching and student success. Long known for high academic standards, outreach and school spirit, Clemson is increasing its focus on knowledge-based economic development by building research centers and innovation campuses in targeted emphasis areas, such as advanced materials, automotive and transportation technology, biotechnology and environmental sustainability.