The National Science Foundation (NSF) today announced Clemson University as a key player in the effort to modernize the nation’s electric grid.
Clemson was named a founding partner in the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas (Carolinas Grid Engine), one of the agency’s newest Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines). Carolinas Grid Engine will develop, test, commercialize and deploy technologies that address one of the nation’s most pressing infrastructure challenges.
“Our state-of-the-art Dominion Energy Innovation Center at Clemson’s Charleston Innovation Campus boasts the infrastructure, technical expertise and testing capabilities needed to address complex energy challenges and innovate next generation grid technologies. We are an eager partner with the Carolinas Grid Engine to strengthen those capabilities while supporting the applied research necessary to advance modern energy systems,” said Cole Smith, Clemson University executive vice president for academic affairs and provost.
The engine will accelerate adoption of solutions that improve grid reliability, strengthen domestic supply chains and help the United States meet rapidly growing electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, data centers and population growth. The award includes an initial $15 million investment over two years, with the potential for up to $160 million over the next decade based on performance milestones. Led by the University of North Carolina Charlotte, Carolinas Grid Engine core partners include Clemson, the South Carolina Research Authority, York Technical College, Joules Accelerator and E4 Carolinas, along with more than 100 public and private partners that will support the project.
Clemson’s Charleston Innovation Campus will support the development, validation and testing of grid-enhancing technologies, smart and hybrid transformers, grid inverters, energy storage systems, and other emerging technologies designed to deliver electricity across the grid more safely, reliably and cost-effectively.
“A reliable and resilient energy supply is critical to South Carolina’s continued success,” said S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster. “This award will help strengthen our ability to meet future demand, support economic opportunity, and ensure the Carolinas remain leaders in innovation and job creation. We are proud to celebrate the partners who helped secure this award and grateful for the strong collaboration across the Carolinas that made it possible.”
Housed at Clemson’s Dominion Energy Innovation Center in Charleston, the Duke Energy eGRID can emulate the electrical grid of any region in the world, allowing real-world testing of emerging energy technologies. A new mobile grid emulator called EDGE will more than double the center’s power-rating capabilities and allow for on-location testing anywhere in the Carolinas. EDGE, secured with funding as part of the SC NEXUS for Advanced Resilient Energy technology hub, is a high-powered grid simulator on wheels.
“The announcement of the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas as one of the elite NSF Regional Innovation Engines is more than a recognition of technical excellence, it is a validation of the strategic investments made by the federal government, the state of South Carolina and industry partners to strengthen our energy future,” said S.C. Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey III. “Building on the foundation established through SC NEXUS and our state’s world-class energy assets, this effort positions the Carolinas as a national leader in grid modernization, energy resilience, workforce development and innovation.”
In addition to EDGE, Clemson is adding a walk-in thermal chamber at its eGRID facility that will allow technologies to be tested at varying temperatures and humidity levels, said Ramtin Hadidi, co-chief technology officer of the Carolinas Grid Engine and an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Clemson.
“This is critical for utilities and system operators because these technologies must be designed and validated to be deployed anywhere in the country and succeed in any climate,” Hadidi said.
Spanning a 36-county region, the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas brings together more than 100 universities, utilities, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, workforce organizations, investors, economic development organizations and state and local governments to create a nationally significant innovation ecosystem for grid modernization. In addition to Clemson and other core partners, collaborators include Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, Santee Cooper, EPRI, Siemens Energy, Honeywell, Nucor and the North and South Carolina Departments of Commerce.
The NSF Engines program forms a connected national network that supports large-scale regional partnerships focused on accelerating the development and deployment of critical technologies, growing regional economies and strengthening America’s global competitiveness. Carolinas Grid Engine is one of only 12 engines selected from nearly 300 teams that entered the national competition.
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“NSF Engines’ investments in critical technologies and future industries will transform America’s innovation infrastructure for decades to come. The NSF Grid Modernization Engine will strengthen U.S. energy security, meet rising energy demand, and train the workforce of the future while building economic stability across the Carolinas.” — Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF director
“Meeting the rising demand for reliable energy is a critical need across the country. Clemson is uniquely equipped to design and test the emerging technologies that will secure our energy future and has a long history of industry collaboration to deploy meaningful innovation,” — Tanju Karanfil, Clemson University senior vice president for research, scholarship and Creative Endeavors
“Modernizing the electric grid requires engineers and researchers prepared to develop, deploy and continuously improve new solutions. Through the Carolinas Grid Engine, Clemson faculty and students will work alongside leading academic and industry partners to generate innovation, address challenges of national importance and help build the highly skilled workforce needed to power our future.” — Anand Gramopadhye, dean of Clemson University College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.
“The most powerful technologies create value when they move from the lab into the marketplace, which is why the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas is focused on building the bridges that carry promising innovations into real-world deployment. By aligning the strategic interests of industry, utilities, and innovators, we are accelerating commercialization of grid solutions—strengthening reliability, resilience, and the region’s economic competitiveness while supporting the companies and industries that depend on continued innovation.” — SCRA President and CEO Bill Kirkland
“This award reflects what is possible when the public and private sectors and communities come together around a shared challenge and shared opportunity. The Carolinas have built the partnerships, research capability and infrastructure needed to move grid technologies from concept to deployment, and few regions are better positioned to lead that work than Charlotte, where connections across North and South Carolina create a natural gateway for collaboration and innovation. UNC Charlotte is proud to help bring those efforts together.” — UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber
“Duke Energy has a proud legacy of advancing research, innovation, and workforce development through partnerships like our ongoing collaboration with UNC Charlotte. The NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas will enhance testing environments, technical expertise, and infrastructure, ensuring we deliver a smarter, more resilient grid for our communities. Strengthening our grid through innovation is essential to powering the Carolinas’ future as we remain laser focused on delivering dependable energy at the lowest cost possible for every customer.” — Duke Energy CEO Harry Sideris
“Meeting the escalating demand for power requires modern energy systems to rely increasingly on technologies that fuse physical infrastructure with intelligent automation and digital capabilities. Honeywell’s partnership with UNC Charlotte and the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas reflects our focus on connecting research, talent development and technology deployment to help address these challenges. Today’s NSF award accelerates this mission, helping us build the complex energy infrastructure the world requires.” — Honeywell Technologies Chairman and CEO Vimal Kapur
“Building a more resilient electric grid depends on accelerating how we test, validate, and deploy new technologies. At Siemens Energy, we bring together grid technologies, digitalization, and project execution to shorten that cycle—from innovation to energization. The Carolinas Engine for Grid Modernization supports the kind of applied research and technology development needed to modernize transmission infrastructure and enable faster, more reliable delivery.” — Matt Neal, president, Siemens Energy North America
“Access to reliable, affordable energy is a key factor in manufacturing competitiveness. With electricity demand growing, modernizing the transmission grid will be vital for future economic growth. As North America’s largest steel producer, and a large energy consumer, Nucor is proud to be a partner in the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas project to ensure we continue to deliver the energy that manufacturers need to grow and be competitive.” — Nucor Chair and CEO Leon Topalian
“Electric utilities are balancing growing demand and facing changing customer expectations while adapting to an increasingly complex energy system. Efforts that strengthen grid infrastructure and support investments in innovative technology will play an important role for the communities we serve not just for today, but for generations to come.” — Daniel Kassis, vice president of customer relations and renewables, Dominion Energy
“Modernizing energy infrastructure requires more than technology development. It requires a workforce prepared to build, deploy and maintain increasingly complex energy systems. The NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas strengthens connections among education, workforce development and industry while helping prepare talent for the rapidly changing energy economy.” — Tina Taylor, interim president, E4 Carolinas
“The technologies that will strengthen America’s critical infrastructure cannot remain in the laboratory. They must be tested, validated and transitioned into real-world deployment. The NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas brings together the partners needed to accelerate that process while strengthening the nation’s security, economic competitiveness and technological advantage.” — David Gorsich, chief scientist for ground vehicle systems, U.S. Army
