A Clemson University wind-energy testing and research center built to accommodate the world's largest drivetrains is poised to deliver an increased amount of data about wind-turbine designs and their impacts on the electrical grid. Designed to drive technological innovations and featuring a unique set of capabilities, the North Charleston, S.C., facility has attracted a range of researchers—and investments—from private industry and large utilities.

"The mission is to work with private industry to accelerate the development and deployment of new technologies into the electrical market, to reduce the cost of energy delivered and to improve the efficiency and reliability of the electrical grid," says Dr. Nikolaos Rigas, a senior scientist with Clemson and director of the wind-turbine drivetrain testing facility.