Columbia, SC — In a groundbreaking step toward becoming a national leader in grid resilience technologies (GRT), the City of Columbia, South Carolina has secured over $22 million in grant funding for two innovative projects that aim to revolutionize workforce development and advance battery technology.
These projects, led by the University of South Carolina and the South Carolina Technical College System, are set to create jobs, boost the regional economy and position South Carolina at the forefront of sustainable energy innovation.
“We celebrate this major win for the State of South Carolina and the City of Columbia, home of the University of South Carolina and the South Carolina Technical College System,” says Daniel Rickenmann, mayor of the City of Columbia. “SC NEXUS is a creative, statewide collaboration, but the heart and soul that will drive its success is located right here in Columbia. We will continue to produce innovation in the clean energy sector from the heart of the state.”
The Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation (CIBI), a project led by the University of South Carolina, received $10,218,140 in funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hubs program. The program is designed to scale up the production of critical technologies, create jobs in innovative industries and strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.
This development is crucial, as the CIBI will establish a stationary battery manufacturing pilot line in Columbia, driving advancements in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Through this initiative, the CIBI aims to reduce costs and enhance features like faster ramp times and higher energy densities, promoting innovation and commercialization.
The project is poised to create jobs, boost the regional economy, support sustainable energy transitions, enhance energy security and position South Carolina as a leader in cutting-edge battery technology.
With breakthroughs in new technology and the establishment of new industries, comes the need for new workforce development opportunities. As such, another $12,637190 in funding will support The Education and Workforce Center (EWC) project, an initiative led by the South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS).
Through the EWC project, the SCTCS – in partnership with GRT employers, K-12 and higher education institutions and community organizations – will promote awareness of career pathways in the space, identify and develop the soft and hard skills necessary for success in these roles and provide support services, such as transportation and childcare, needed to ensure energy workers are able to access opportunities in the GRT space.
Funding for these projects was secured by the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS), a consortium of over 50 public and private entities from across the state dedicated to driving innovation in technologies that enable an end-to-end resilient, sustainable energy ecosystem.
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In a groundbreaking step toward becoming a national leader in grid resilience technologies (GRT), the City of Columbia, South Carolina has secured over $22 million in grant funding for two innovative projects that aim to revolutionize workforce development and advance battery technology.