PrintPrintClemson University released a study showing a potential impact of billions of dollars for the state if it develops an offshore wind farm. The study also found the wind energy industry employs thousands in the state.
By Matt Tomsic
mtomsic@scbiznews.com
Published Oct. 4, 2012
A wind farm off the coast of South Carolina could create thousands of jobs and inject $3.7 billion into the state during its 10-year construction phase, according to a study released today by Clemson University.
The university’s Restoration Institute and the Strom Thurmond Institute of Government and Public Affairs performed the study, which examined the impact of installing and operating a 1,000 megawatt wind farm off the coast and estimated the economic impact of the state’s current wind energy supply chain.
The studyRead the full study online. |
“Not only would an offshore wind industry help diversify South Carolina’s energy sources, it also would have the potential to generate thousands of long-term jobs and create a sustainable industry that could become the envy of the nation,” said Ashlie Lancaster, director of the S.C. Energy Office.
The study also found 1,134 direct jobs were in wind energy in the state this year. Those jobs included production and service. The state’s wind energy supply chain had an economic impact of $530 million in 2012 and generated a net impact of $29 million for state government and $21 million for local government.
In North Charleston, the university’s Restoration Institute is developing a wind turbine testing facility, which will be able to test drivetrains up to 15 megawatts. There, the university is also developing a power grid simulator and the Zucker Family Graduate Education Center, which will offer advanced engineering degrees.
Previous coverage
Wind turbine test facility most advanced globally, says project manager
Foundation to be poured for Clemson’s wind turbine testing facility
Survey to assess potential of S.C. wind industry
Clemson planning Lowcountry engineering center
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