Wind Energy Symposium to be held at Coastal Carolina University
October 26, 2014
Wed., Oct. 29, 2014, 11:30 a.m. | Forum to educate and determine public receptivity to wind energy in S.C.
The Coastal Carolina University (CCU) Marine Systems Department will host a symposium and examination of offshore wind energy (in S.C.) at CCU’s Burroughs & Chapin Center for Marine and Wetlands Studies, Wed., Oct. 29, 2014, 11:30 a.m.
Sen. Thomas C. Alexander – chairman of the S.C. Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee and Public Utility Review Committee – will chair the symposium which will be attended by federal and state agency representatives, engineers, and other experts and regional decision-makers.
The Clemson Restoration Institute (partnering with the U.S. Dept. of Energy) has constructed a wind turbine testing facility in Charleston. As the wind industry continues to develop and expand, the market is calling for larger wind turbines requiring more extensive testing. The Charleston facility meets industry needs in the southeast by providing a comprehensive testing site for new designs.
“This environmentally safe and innovative source of energy is not only necessary, but will prove to create jobs as we progress further in our state’s development of this limitless natural resource,” says Tom Mullikin, an environmental expert and professor of Marine Science at CCU. “We hope to broaden a greater public awareness as to the importance both economically and environmentally of wind energy.”
Dr. Paul Gayes – who directs the Burroughs & Chapin Center for Marine and Wetlands Studies – agrees. “Wind is the way,” Gayes says. “It’s wholly clean, environmentally un-intrusive, and frankly it has been harnessed and used with great effect for thousands of years. Essentially the same technology, we perhaps need to look at the distant past for marvelous environmentally sound solutions to the future.”
The stated objectives of the symposium are to engage key decision-makers in thoughtful conversation and consideration of wind energy options; to carefully consider any barriers to entry of wind energy into the marketplace (examining other potential collateral consequences); and to educate and determine public receptivity to the potential of wind energy.
According to a memo forwarded by CCU, this month, “At least 18 facilities in S.C. currently manufacture components for the wind energy industry.” Moreover, Investment in wind power will create jobs, “including jobs in operations and maintenance, construction, manufacturing, and other support sectors.”
The lunch event – 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – will be held in room 100 of the Burroughs & Chapin Center.
[For additional information, please contact Julie Quinn at 843-349-4019.]
By W. Thomas Smith Jr.
