The SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS)
South Carolina: the advanced energy industry’s next power move
Breaking
Advancing America’s clean energy transition begins with SC NEXUS
As a U.S. Economic Development Administration-designated Tech Hub, South Carolina is turning the promise of advanced energy into reality. By leveraging our manufacturing strength and research excellence, we are developing, testing, and deploying solutions to meet rising demand, enhance grid resiliance, strengthen national security and advance energy independence on a global scale.
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) designated the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS) one of 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs nationwide. Led by S.C. Commerce, SC NEXUS, a consortium of more than 50 members, aims to be a global leader in advanced resilient energy by developing, testing and deploying exportable electricity technologies tools.
In July 2024, the EDA awarded funding to four SC NEXUS projects to further build out the tech hub’s capacity to quickly commercialize new energy technologies, as well as raise awareness of advanced energy employment opportunities. SC NEXUS is one of only 12 tech hubs across the nation to receive the EDA’s implementation grant funds. Read S.C. Commerce's press release.
SC NEXUS leverages the region’s dynamic manufacturing base, superior research capabilities, and proven record of public-private collaboration to commercialize emerging energy storage materials and manufacturing techniques, as well as strengthen domestic manufacturing and national energy security.
South Carolina hosts growth and charged for the future
SC NEXUS offers companies and entrepreneurs the perfect environment to DEVELOP, TEST and DEPLOY exportable electricity technologies. Through SC NEXUS test beds and assets, we will leverage the region’s dynamic manufacturing base, superior research capabilities, and proven record of public-private collaboration to commercialize emerging energy storage materials and manufacturing techniques.
Federally funded SC Nexus test beds and assets
Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation (CIBI)
A large stationary battery manufacturing pilot line built at the University of South Carolina is set to improve performance of battery energy storage systems and recycle used battery components, crucial for stabilizing the power grid and supporting renewable energy.
Grid Enabled Cyber Operations Range (GECO)
At the Savannah River National Laboratory, cybersecurity testing provides a proving ground for next-generation grid technologies. These tests evaluate every step of the supply chain to identify vulnerabilities and ensure that products are secure and reliable before reaching the market.
Economic Development through Grid Emulation (EDGE)
Upgrades to the North Charleston Electrical Grid Testing Facility, led by Clemson University, will allow new technologies to be tested in simulated, real-world conditions.
Workforce and training initiatives
Driving innovation and talent
South Carolina is building the workforce to match its energy ambitions — through partnerships that span early education, technical training and direct-to-industry career pathways.
Education and Workforce Center (EWC)
Led by the SC Technical College System, the Education and Workforce Center (EWC) is creating hands-on training and career-connected education aligned with advanced energy roles across the state. The employer collaborative gives companies a direct role in shaping talent pipelines, co-development programs that match their real-world workforce needs.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Exchange (eiX)
Led by the South Carolina Research Authority, this project will provide comprehensive business, technical and hands-on training, leverage and connect assets of existing entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem across the SC NEXUS hub, and deploy additional capital and incentives to support new and growing startups.
Additional SC assets and resources
ReadySC™ connects new and expanding companies to skilled labor, delivering custom training fast.
Apprenticeship Carolina™ works with the technical college system to address talent needs in the pipeline.
As SC NEXUS evolves, the consortium will seek additional federal funding opportunities to continue establishing new projects designed to test and rapidly commercialize advanced energy technologies.
SC's advanced energy ecosystem
South Carolina is home to 200+ leading players across the advanced energy industry
Through SC NEXUS we leverage our test beds, research assets, and manufacturing base to lead innovation across advanced energy areas. This Tech Hub catalyzes a globally competitive, end to end value chain for resilient and sustainable energy that strengthens national security and drives economic growth.
SC NEXUS is advancing the future – what part will you play?
In addition to providing testing of technologies, companies and entrepreneurs can also benefit from:
- Robust funding and funding support opportunities.
- Strategic matchmaking.
- Comprehensive entrepreneur development.
Securing South Carolina’s energy future
SC NEXUS’ three advanced energy target areas are generation, transmission and distribution, and storage across the energy spectrum. A Tech Hubs Designation is a strong endorsement of the SC NEXUS region’s plan to supercharge a critical technology ecosystem and become a global innovation leader during the next decade, creating jobs and improving opportunities for South Carolinians while helping to secure the nation's economic and national security priorities.
Pursuing the Tech Hubs designation is in line with Governor Henry McMaster’s Executive Order 2023-18, designed to secure South Carolina’s energy future. Related efforts will complement and reinforce the work of powerSC, which the executive order established. Additionally, SC NEXUS has garnered support from South Carolina’s entire federal legislative delegation, as well as key leaders from the South Carolina House and Senate.
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SC NEXUS is one of only five Tech Hubs focused on advanced energy, and one of only three Tech Hubs in the Southeast U.S.
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SC NEXUS' focus is centered on five target rural counties across South Carolina
10.7%
South Carolina population growth in the last decade.
14,000+
The new energy economy is expected to create 14,000+ jobs in South Carolina by 2030, based on its current trajectory.
The power of working together
A public and private consortium led by S.C. Commerce, SC NEXUS currently consists of more than 50 members, including seven core members. In addition to S.C. Commerce, the initial, core members are Savannah River National Lab, Clemson University, South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes), South Carolina State University, South Carolina Technical College System, and the University of South Carolina.
