Led by Clemson University’s Restoration Institute, the facility will help test and validate new turbines, particularly for offshore wind. Supported by a $47m Energy Department investment as well as about $60 million in outside funding, the facility is equipped with two testing bays – for up to 7.5-MW and 15-MW drivetrains, respectively.

The facility will test machinery that converts both onshore and offshore wind to electricity and allow engineers to simulate 20 years’ worth of wear and tear on drivetrains in a few months, highlighted the Energy Department. The facility’s proximity to the coast also makes it ideal for U.S. and international companies to testing larger offshore wind turbines.