SCRA joins NSF Grid Modernization Engine initiative

The South Carolina Research Authority is a founding partner in the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas, selected by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

The program is part of the NSF Engines program, a national network to advance technology and competitiveness. SCRA’s part will be to create a hub for grid innovation for the state to modernize the electric grid.

“NSF Engines’ investments in critical technologies and future industries will transform America’s innovation infrastructure for decades to come,” Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF director, said in a news release. “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.”

UNC Charlotte will lead the Carolinas Grid Engine to develop, test, commercialize and deploy technology. The initial investment is $15 million over two years, will the potential of up to $160 million in the next decade.

The engine initiative includes 36 counties, 28 of which are in South Carolina, with over 100 partners in utilities, manufacturing, education, entrepreneurs, workforce organizations, investors, economic development organizations, and state and local governments.

Other partners include Clemson University, York Technical College, Joules Accelerator, E4 Carolinas, Duke Energy, Santee Cooper, EPRI, Siemens Energy, Honeywell, Nucor, and the North and South Carolina departments of commerce.

“A reliable and resilient energy supply is critical to South Carolina’s continued success. 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,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “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.”

The Carolinas Grid Engine was selected as one of the 12 engines out of 300 teams nationally.

The primary focal points include advancing use-inspired research and development, accelerating commercialization of grid technologies, strengthening domestic supply chains, supporting entrepreneurship and venture creation, creating workforce pathways and training programs, and improving grid reliability and resilience.

“SCRA’s role in the NSF Grid Modernization Engine reflects what we do best, aligning interests of innovators, industry leaders, utilities and public-sector partners to accelerate the path from innovation to commercialization,” SCRA President and CEO Bill Kirkland said in the release. “Through our leadership of both the translation of innovation and cross-sector partnerships functions, we are helping build the relationships, resources, and market pathways needed to move promising technologies into real-world deployment. This work strengthens regional competitiveness, creates new economic opportunities, and positions the Carolinas as a national leader in grid modernization and energy innovation.”

The efforts of partners in the engine are expected to generate over $2 billion in economic impact with implementation of more than 20,000 jobs in North and South Carolina. A CEO will be selected for the engine in the next few months.