COLUMBIA, S.C. — A South Carolina tech hub is one of twelve nationwide to receive millions in funding from the federal government. SC NEXUS for Advanced Resilient Energy received $45 million for an implementation grant through the US Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hubs program to "scale up the production of critical technologies, create jobs in innovative industries, and strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security."
SC NEXUS, part of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, is one of 31 entities to have been designated as a federal tech hub by EDA, allowing it to apply for approximately $500 million in grant funding. SC NEXUS is the only entity to receive funding, based on six proposed projects submitted to EDA for consideration. EDA agreed to funding the following four federal projects:
- Grid Enabled Cyber Operations Range project led by Savannah River National Lab – $9,995,816. This project will establish a cyber testing range for grid connected equipment, with both grid operator training and equipment testing benefits.
- Economic Development Through Grid Emulation (EDGE) project led by Clemson University – $12.5 million. This project will upgrade the North Charleston eGRID facility’s power and voltage testing capabilities for grid-connected equipment.
- Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation (CIBI) project led by the University of South Carolina – $10,218,140. This project will establish a stationary battery manufacturing pilot line in Columbia.
- The Education and Workforce Center project, led by the SC Technical College System – $12,637,190. This project will enhance awareness of South Carolina’s energy-focused industries and job opportunities, identify, and develop the skills necessary for success in these roles, and provide critical support services to ensure advanced energy workers have access to these opportunities.
The remaining two proposed projects not to receive funding are:
- The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Exchange (eiX) project, led by the South Carolina Research Authority. Further development of and securing funding for this project remain a top priority.
- The previously announced H2 Testbed project. SC NEXUS will not be moving forward with the project as described in the funding application. The project is currently in redevelopment, and new information will be shared as it becomes available.
SC NEXUS is a consortium that consists of more than 50 public and private member entities. As a federally designated tech hub, SC NEXUS will be given priority in future EDA funding opportunities.
