New Report: South Carolina Department of Commerce Releases Offshore Wind Supply Chain Study
For Immediate Release: October 9th, 2024
Media Contact: Karly Lohan, karlyl@sewind.org
Columbia, S.C. - This month, the South Carolina Department of Commerce announced the release of the South Carolina Offshore Wind Supply Chain Study. The purpose of the study is to provide South Carolina’s legislators, businesses, and industry organizations with insights on how South Carolina can further support and benefit from the growth of the U.S. offshore wind industry and supply chain. The South Carolina Department of Commerce designated Clemson University and Xodus Group to complete this study at the directive of House Bill 4831, which calls on the state to evaluate the economic and supply chain advantages that South Carolina can leverage to develop a roadmap for attracting local offshore wind investment.
“South Carolina’s rapidly evolving technology cluster and existing pillar industries have established it as an adaptable and diversified collection of manufacturing industries, but there is still room to build out the state’s supply chain landscape,” according to Karly Lohan, Carolinas Program Manager for SEWC. “As the offshore wind project pipeline continues, it is critical to understand how the unique strengths of South Carolina’s business environment can attract millions to billions of dollars in economic growth for the State.”
According to the report’s key findings, South Carolina is known as an established industry leader in advanced manufacturing and already hosts a key offshore wind supplier, Nexans, which generates hundreds of millions of dollars in total economic benefit for the state. Additionally, the Palmetto State’s diversified collection of manufacturing industries, low business operating costs, and existing port infrastructure create an opportunity for upwards of $400 million of total economic output over the next ten years, if in-state companies secure Tier 2 supply contracts in offshore wind.
Representative Jason Elliott, the bill’s sponsor, added, “South Carolina boasts diverse industry experience and a strong environment for innovation, creating the perfect opportunity for the Palmetto State’s supply chain to benefit from the growth of the US offshore wind industry. With planning, preparation, and leadership, we can attract high-paying jobs and significant investment in South Carolina.”
About SEWC
The Southeastern Wind Coalition is a 501(c)(3) that works to advance the land-based and offshore wind industry in the Southeast. We focus on providing fact-based information on the economic and environmental opportunities of wind energy, and encourage solutions that result in net economic benefits to residents and ratepayers. For more information about the Southeastern Wind Coalition visit www.sewind.org.
