Nicholas C. Rigas, PhD

Nicholas C. Rigas, Ph.D. is director of the renewable energy focus area of the Restoration Institute, and he is an adjunct professor for Clemson University. Dr. Rigas also serves as the Vice President of Project Development for EcoEnergy where he is responsible for the development of more than 3000 MW of wind power projects throughout the Midwest and Arizona. In 2006, he served as director of the South Carolina Institute for Energy Studies at Clemson. He works at CURI to promote the development of South Carolina’s indigenous clean energy resources for economic development, energy security, improving the environment and increasing the quality of life for the state’s citizens.

Dr. Rigas has been leading projects to examine the bio-energy potential of the state, promote the development of biofuels and create an understanding and public acceptance of the coastal and offshore wind power in the state. In addition, he is analyzing the use of energy within the state to better understand its economic impact and identify the resource gaps that prohibit development of these resources.

Previously, Dr. Rigas served as chair of the South Carolina Biomass Council and chaired the South Carolina Tactical Research on Energy Independence Council. He also hosted the Southeast Regional Offshore Wind Power Symposium in Charleston, SC. Prior to joining Clemson, Dr. Rigas served as Operations and Technology Director for FMC Corporation, Lithium Division in Charlotte, NC. He holds a doctoral degree in chemical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis