This is Our Future
A Regional Innovation Engine, as part of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, is a funded initiative designed to foster innovation within a specific geographical region in the U.S. Driven by a coalition of regional partners including academic institutions, non-profits, for-profits, and government entities, each Engine aims to boost use-inspired research and development, translate innovations into practical applications, and develop the workforce. The program particularly targets regions that currently lack well-established innovation ecosystems, with the ultimate goals of enhancing the country's economic and industrial competitiveness and national security.
As a Type-1 development awardee, CLEANcarolinas serves as a development engine in the broader context of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program. This passionate team is focused on establishing the Carolinas as a hub for clean energy innovation, accelerating use-inspired research, and advancing groundbreaking technologies. The Type-1 development award provides the crucial seed funding to lay the groundwork for this ambitious initiative. Through a blend of research and development, investment, education, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, CLEANcarolinas aims to catalyze an innovation ecosystem specific to clean energy, thereby fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and enhancing the region's competitiveness.
The Carolinas' Advantage
Proven Energy Workforce and Economy
CLEANcarolinas' region of service spans 16 counties across North and South Carolina. There exists a substantial energy workforce and economy with 260+ energy related companies with 36,500 employees and a $17.8 billion economic impact on the region, which accounts for 11.7% of the region’s economy. Furthermore, there are over 11,000 power and energy engineers in the region and employment within the turbine and battery manufacturing industry is 6 times the national average.
Unique Geography and Growing Renewable Expansion
Offshore wind farms will undoubtedly be an integral part of a growing clean energy economic engine within the Carolinas. The Carolina’s are second to none when it comes to offshore wind potential. Ahead of all states on the Atlantic seaboard, North Carolina’s wind potential is ranked 1st place, which is more than 50% greater than the next highest state, Massachusetts. In addition, South Carolina is ranked second in potential for the most economically producible category of wind resources requiring turbines up to 30m in height. To supplement the Carolinas' enormous offshore wind potential, on land, North Carolina is already among the top five states in installed photovoltaic capacity with just over 5000 MW as of 2021.
Strong Governmental/Legislative Support
In order to continue progressing as the nation’s leading clean energy hub, the Carolina’s will require substantial governmental support and clean energy-friendly policies. Both NC and SC state governments are committed to supporting the transition to net carbon-free energy economies by 2050. Various initiatives like Energy Solutions for North Carolina (House Bill 951), NC’s Transformation to a Clean, Equitable Economy (Executive Order 246), SC Energy Freedom Act, and SC Act 46 all further reinforce the demand for the Carolina’s massive progress as a clean energy regional innovation engine.
Partner Institutions
CLEANcarolinas is fortunate to collaborate with a diverse array of partners, all committed to harnessing the rich clean energy resource basin in the Carolinas. From industry giants to academic institutions and government agencies, each partner brings a unique set of skills and resources to this collective endeavor. Central to these efforts is the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) at UNC Charlotte, which will be leading the charge.
Anticipated Outcomes
CLEANcarolinas is not just about today; it's about shaping the future. We envision an ecosystem that fully harnesses the power of renewable energy resources like offshore wind, solar, clean hydrogen, and marine energy. Furthermore, we're deeply committed to developing the electric-energy delivery and storage systems needed for seamless grid integration. Initially focusing on the Carolinas, our ambitions are global. Through the collective creativity, R&D expertise, and professional networks of our partners, we're poised to meet the challenges of a net-carbon-neutral electric grid by 2050.
Our goals extend beyond technology. We aim to build a thriving, innovation-based clean energy ecosystem located near the Carolinas' leading offshore renewable energy resources and fueled by global clean energy investors. This will not only sustain global competitiveness but also create well-paying, family-supporting jobs. Entrepreneurial opportunities will flourish, enabling the translation of research into innovative products. Moreover, we're focusing on the development of a skilled workforce to promote upward social mobility across a diverse and inclusive population. The road ahead is long, but the potential is enormous, and everyone at CLEANcarolinas is excited about the journey to come.
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This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of the the U.S. National Science Foundation.