South Carolina advances energy innovation through NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas
July 28, 2026
SC NEXUS supports regional collaboration with federal investment to modernize the electric grid and drive economic growth across South Carolina and North Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Commerce shared continued progress in advancing South Carolina’s leadership in energy innovation through SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS) and its partnership in the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas (Carolinas Grid Engine). Recognizing the strength of the region’s innovation ecosystem, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the Carolinas Grid Engine up to $15 million over its first two years, with the potential for as much as $160 million over the next decade based on performance milestones.
Designed to build and scale regional innovation ecosystems across the nation, the NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program aligns with the mission of South Carolina’s statewide Tech Hub, SC NEXUS. A division of S.C. Commerce, SC NEXUS accelerates the ability to develop, test and deploy new technologies that lower industry barriers through research, workforce development and public-private collaboration.
“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,” said Gov. Henry McMaster.
The Carolinas Grid Engine, spanning 36 counties and led by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with support from more than 100 partners, was selected as one of only 12 new NSF Engines following the competitive national process that attracted nearly 300 letters of intent. The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), serving as a core partner, will lead the translation of innovation through cross-sector partnerships, engaging stakeholders to ensure alignment across the energy ecosystem. The award recognizes the complementary assets of South Carolina and North Carolina in advanced energy, research manufacturing and workforce development.
South Carolina plays a foundational role with SC NEXUS’ Economic Development through Grid Emulation (EDGE) testbed, led by Clemson University, a founding partner of the Carolinas Grid Engine. Based at Clemson University’s Charleston Innovation Campus, the EDGE testbed enables validation and testing of advanced grid technologies at the Dominion Energy Innovation Center (DEIC) using the Duke Energy eGrid — creating a unique environment for industry partners to evaluate next-generation energy solutions.
With support from SC NEXUS, Clemson University has expanded the EDGE testbed’s functionality with a mobile grid emulator that will double DEIC’s power rating and expand real-world, on-site testing capabilities across the Southeast. The enhanced infrastructure further increases Duke Energy eGrid’s ability to emulate any electrical grid from around the world — accelerating technology validation and commercialization.
The NSF award builds on South Carolina’s continued investment in its advanced energy ecosystem. In 2024, SC NEXUS was designated one of 12 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs to receive implementation funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, positioning the state as a national leader in resilient energy technologies.
SC NEXUS and the Carolinas Grid Engine will build on this momentum and expand regional collaboration among industry, research institutions and workforce partners. Together, these organizations are accelerating innovation, strengthening domestic energy capabilities and helping move next-generation technologies from research to commercialization — creating new opportunities for investment, business growth and high-quality jobs across the Carolinas.
To learn more about SC NEXUS and connect with Tech Hub resources, email [email protected] or visit sccommerce.com/scnexus. To learn more about the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas, visit CarolinasGridEngine.com.
