SC NEXUS Secures $45 Million in Federal Funding
South Carolina’s technologically advanced hub, SC NEXUS, has come into a windfall of $45 million in grant funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hubs program, managed by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The funding, targeted at enhancing the production capabilities of innovative and critical technologies, bolstering the U.S. economy, and strengthening national security, aims to drive job creation in pioneering industries.
Fostering Advanced Energy Storage and Manufacturing
Last year, 31 entities across the country were designated as federal tech hubs, among them, SC NEXUS. These designations allowed the tech hubs to compete for a $500 million pool of federal grant funding. SC NEXUS battled it out with the other hubs, securing a spot among the 12 tech hubs awarded funding.
The funding secured by SC NEXUS is expected to bolster its operations and projects, enabling it to leverage South Carolina’s vibrant manufacturing scene, outstanding research capabilities, and well-established record of public-private cooperation. These abilities will be instrumental in commercializing new energy storage materials and manufacturing techniques.
Successful Projects Secure Federal Funding
Of the six SC NEXUS projects put forth for funding consideration, four successfully secured federal money. These projects include the Grid Enabled Cyber Operations Range led by Savannah River National Lab ($9,995,816); the Economic Development Through Grid Emulation (EDGE) led by Clemson University ($12.5 million); the Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation (CIBI) headed by the University of South Carolina ($10,218,140); and the Education and Workforce Center led by the SC Technical College System ($12,637,190).
The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Exchange (eiX) project, overseen by the South Carolina Research Authority, did not receive federal funding, but efforts to obtain funding and continued development remain earnest. Likewise, the previously disclosed H2 Testbed project did not gather any federal funding. Consequently, SC NEXUS decided to halt the project as initially described in the funding application. Details about a potential redevelopment are expected to be released soon.
A Boost for South Carolina’s Renewable Energy Sector
The funding poses a significant boost for the region’s energy industry. The Cyber Operations Range project aims to set up a cyber testing range for grid-connected equipment, bringing forth benefits for grid operator training and equipment testing.
The EDGE project hopes to elevate the power and voltage testing abilities of North Charleston’s eGRID facility for grid-connected equipment. The CIBI project, on the other hand, seeks to establish a stationary battery manufacturing pilot line in Columbia. The Education and Workforce Center project is expected to enhance awareness over South Carolina’s energy-focused industries and employment opportunities and provide crucial support services to those interested in working in this sector.
More information can be found on scnexus.org.
