Clemson University to test wind turbines

CLEMSON, S.C., Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Clemson University says it has received a $45 million grant from the U.S. Energy Department to build and operate a large-scale wind turbine testing facility.

Officials said the federal grant, to be combined with $53 million in matching funds, will support the testing facility to be located at the university's Restoration Institute's campus at the former Charleston (S.C.) Naval Base.

The award is the largest single grant ever received in the university's history.

Officials said the facility will be capable of full-scale highly accelerated testing of advanced drive train systems for wind turbines in the 5 megawatt to 15 megawatt range, with a 30 percent overload capacity.

The university said planning and construction of the facility will begin early next year, with operations starting during the third quarter of 2012.