Print Page

Energy & Environment | Alternative Energy | Nuclear Power | Engineering

The energy industry is thriving in the Charlotte USA region as a cluster of firms that specialize in nuclear energy builds momentum, and renewable energy firms make headlines with expanding operations. Local engineering talent and expertise are fueling the growth of this industry, as are the strength of local firms with significant operations such as Duke Energy, AREVA, Fluor Corp, Parsons, Shaw Power Group, URS/Washington Group, Westinghouse, Siemens and newly located Toshiba America Nuclear Energy. Site Selection magazine recently North Carolina among the Top 5 locations for corporate facility expansions in alternative energy, listing 44 projects taking place in this sector during 2008.  North Carolina ranks #5 behind Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is constructing the Energy Production  Infrastructure Center (EPIC) which will provide education and research to train future   electrical/civil engineers for careers in the energy field. Currently, more than 1,400 undergraduate engineering degrees and 1,000+ graduate and doctoral degrees are awarded annually at major universities within 250 miles of Charlotte, NC.

Charlotte is also home to the Electric Power Research Institute’s R&D headquarters facility. EPRI invests millions annually in research to address challenges facing the electric power industry, and the Charlotte location is one of five U.S. principal offices and laboratories.

Click here to learn more about the Energy & Environment industry in Charlotte USA.

Alternative Energy

The Charlotte USA region is serious about alternative energy. Our region is home to numerous companies who finance, manufacture, distribute, install, and service products for the solar, biofuel, and wind energy industry. The Charlotte USA region has the right mix of targeted incentives, access to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Optoelectronic and Precision Metrology programs, an available, skilled workforce that is cost competitive, the largest international airport in the Carolina’s, and a transportation network that provides quality access to the major markets along the East Coast of the US. The strength of the growing alternative energy market in Charlotte USA is demonstrated by quality companies like Sencera International Group, PPG Industries, and Roll Cast Energy.

Click here to learn more about the Solar industry in Charlotte USA.

Nuclear Power

The Charlotte region has developed a unique cluster of nuclear industry expertise, connecting local engineering talent, corporate strength and a wide array of supporting services. Charlotte USA provides a premier location for companies interested in leveraging this concentration of research, development and production of nuclear power.

In recognition of this growing cluster, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is currently constructing EPIC, an Energy Production Infrastructure Center. This facility, located on the Charlotte Research Institute Campus at UNC-Charlotte, will facilitate research and development to address shortfalls in energy production and infrastructure.  The center will assist nuclear energy related companies who call this area home including Duke Energy, Framatome ANP, The Shaw Group Inc., Toshiba, Fluor Corp. and Areva NP Inc. 

Carolinas Nuclear Corridor Poised for Growth
The Carolinas are quickly emerging as a significant nuclear energy corridor and Charlotte USA - home to companies that research, design, build, operate and maintain facilities that produce electricity from all available sources - lies, at the heart of this budding center of alternative energy investment.  Clemson University’s Center for Economic Development recently released a study titled “The Economic Impact of the Nuclear Cluster in the Carolinas”, which discovered:

• The Carolinas to produce 11% of the nation’s total nuclear power – share projected to increase
• 6 new reactors are in the planning stages
• Aiken, SC to Raleigh, NC represents an arc of nuclear knowledge incorporating academia and industry; Charlotte USA lies at the center of this unique corridor and is the largest metro area in the Carolinas
• Global competitors such as Duke Energy, Shaw Group, AREVA, and Westinghouse have increased their presence substantially in recent years

Click here to learn more about the Nuclear cluster in Charlotte USA.

Engineering

Currently there are more than 8,000 engineers employed in the 16-county Charlotte USA region, varying in disciplines from chemical to mechanical to computer engineering. The Charlotte region enjoys close proximity to students from top institutions such as Duke University, Clemson University, Wake Forest University, University of North Carolina, University of South Carolina, Georgia Tech and Virginia Poly Technical.

Click here to learn more about Engineering in Charlotte USA.