The United States Government awards South Carolina $45 Million to Advance Cyber-Secure Grid Resilience Technologies
In an effort to strengthen the nation’s economic competitiveness and national security, the United States government has granted a generous sum of $45 million to South Carolina’s SC NEXUS. The funds have been released under the aegis of the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Tech Hubs program, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Commerce that aims to scale up the production of crucial technologies, foster innovation-driven job creation, and fortify the strategic economic fortitude of the country.
SC NEXUS: A Federally Designated Tech Hub
In Fall 2023, the EDA had recognized SC NEXUS as one of the 31 federally acknowledged tech hubs across the United States, thereby qualifying it for a slice of the approximately $500 million grant funding pie. Today, SC NEXUS is among just 12 of these tech hubs to have been awarded the funding. The $45 million investment is expected to strengthen SC NEXUS’s positioning as a tech hub by capitalizing on their strong manufacturing base, extraordinary research capabilities, and track record of effective public-private collaborations. The funds are aimed at promoting the commercialization of innovative energy storage materials and manufacturing techniques.
Committed to a Brighter Energy Future and Economic Resilience
The Governor of South Carolina, Henry McMaster, hailed the occasion as a transformative one for both the state and SC NEXUS. He underscored the agency’s relentless efforts to bolster the state’s energy prospects and economic competitiveness. “Once again, our ability to collaborate and utilize our greatest resource – our people – has been recognized through the awarding of this funding,” remarked the Governor.
Funding for Four Projects
Out of the six projects proposed by SC NEXUS, the EDA has approved funding for four. These include the Grid Enabled Cyber Operations Range project, Economic Development Through Grid Emulation (EDGE) project, Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation (CIBI) project, and the Education and Workforce Center project. However, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Exchange (EiX) project and the H2 Testbed project failed to secure federal funding. Despite this setback, both these projects remain high on SC NEXUS’s priority list, and further development efforts continue to be underway.
A Thriving Consortium
SC NEXUS is a consortium comprising more than 50 public and private entities. As a federally designated tech hub, it is now entitled to priority in future EDA funding opportunities. For more information about SC NEXUS or about joining the tech hub, please refer to scnexus.org.
Other News: Independent Forensic Accounting Review of State Funds
In other news, Governor Henry McMaster announced the commencement of an independent forensic accounting review of state funds. This was followed up by substantial groundwork by a working group constituted earlier to probe into questions surrounding a reported $1.8 billion in state funds. In tandem with Proviso 93.19 of the 2024-2025 state budget, the Department of Administration is preparing to invite proposals from independent accounting firms for an in-depth review of cash and investments held in the State Treasury, as well as those recorded in the state’s annual comprehensive financial reports (ACFR).
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
