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.

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.