Restoration Institute staff to present at 2011 S.C. Renewable Energy Forum

Published: July 21, 2011

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NORTH CHARLESTON — With one of the world’s most important wind energy testing facilities under construction, the Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI) is co-hosting a leading statewide energy forum.

The 2011 S.C. Renewable Energy Forum, July 27 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, will focus on renewable energy development and its potential economic impact in South Carolina.The daylong event features speakers from electric utilities, government agencies, researchers and commercial industries. Go to http://screnewableenergyforum.eventbrite.com for registration and other details.

Elizabeth Colbert-Busch, director of business development for CURI, will moderate a panel on applied economic development. The panel features Nick Rigas, Clemson University senior scientist and director of the wind turbine drivetrain testing facility at CURI.

The $98 million facility, capable of testing next-generation drivetrains up to 15 megawatts, will be the most advanced of its kind in the world. The facility is scheduled to open in 2012.
 
In November 2009, Clemson University was awarded a $45 million grant by the U.S. Department of Energy to develop the testing facility, which was matched by $53 million of public and private funds.

The forum also features John Kelly, Clemson University vice president for economic development and executive director of the Restoration Institute. Kelly will speak on a panel about alternative energy research in South Carolina.

Other forum speakers include Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mark Svrcek, vice president for wholesale business and renewables at Duke Energy, and Ashlie Lancaster, director of the S.C. Energy Office.

The forum is co-hosted with the S.C. Biomass Council, S.C. Solar Council, S.C. Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance, and the S.C. Clean Energy Association.

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