Recently, CLEANcarolinas achieved a significant milestone by being awarded a Type 1 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). To gain a deeper understanding of the grant's implications and potential benefits, representatives from CLEANcarolinas participated in a fireside chat at NC State University.

The fireside chat spotlighted key speakers, including Dr. Erwin Gianchandani, Assistant Director of the NSF Directorate for Technology Innovation and Partnerships, and Machelle Baker Sanders, Secretary for the North Carolina Department of Commerce. A focal point of the conversation was the trajectory from a successful Type 1 award to its potential evolution into a Type 2 award. As described by Gianchandani, the Type 1 award acts as a planning and development phase, allocating roughly a million dollars over 24 months to aid organizations like CLEANcarolinas in forging strategic partnerships and refining their objectives. The NSF's definition of success encompasses a clear central thesis, grasping the value from partnerships, and setting metrics, covering both technology outputs and workforce development.

Following the fireside chat, CLEANcarolinas' representatives also had the unique opportunity to engage in a roundtable discussion hosted by the NC Department of Commerce. Joined by Dr. Erwin Gianchandani and other esteemed guests, this intimate gathering allowed for in-depth dialogues, providing CLEANcarolinas with comprehensive insights and nuanced perspectives to strategically plan for the future.

With the support of the Type 1 grant, CLEANcarolinas can enhance its vision, harness resources to cultivate the Carolinas' clean energy resource basin, foster a skilled workforce, generate an attractive environment for investment, and enable local communities to play an active role in the clean energy economy.

Imagine a future where the Carolinas, driven by the CLEANcarolinas initiative, become the epitome of clean energy innovation. A scenario where local communities are not merely consumers but pivotal contributors to clean energy advancement. Thanks to the NSF grant and the dedication of all CLEANcarolinas partners, these visions transform from aspirations to achievable targets.

Watch the fireside chat here