Clemson Gets $98M For Wind Energy Test Facility

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Clemson University is getting nearly $100 million in federal stimulus funds to study wind energy.

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu said Monday that the South Carolina school had been picked for the facility that will test new wind turbine technology.

The Energy Department gave Clemson $45 million in federal funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Officials say state and private sources provided $53 million in matching funds, for a total of $98 million.

Several other states have received stimulus funds to study wind energy but they pale in comparison to Clemson's award.

Chu says the facility will create needed jobs and could eventually help lower energy costs for consumers.

The new facility will be part of the Clemson University Restoration Institute campus at the former Navy base in Charleston.