WATIES ISLAND, S.C. - Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University and state-owned utility Santee Cooper are partnering to establish a wind-power project on an undeveloped Horry County barrier island. The project will investigate the feasibility of harnessing Mother Nature to generate commercially viable electricity.

By July, the South Carolina Institute for Energy Studies at Clemson University will install three wind gauges, or anemometers, atop a mobile 160-foot tower on Waties Island.  The tower will also have a barometer, temperature gauge and solar sensor.  The anemometers will be in installed at different heights for optimum data gathering.  All data collected from these instruments will be sent remotely to Clemson computers and be made available through the Internet.

The 1,062-acre portion of Waties Island belonging to Coastal Carolina already provides a natural laboratory for extensive study in marine science and wetlands biology. Located near Little River, S.C., Waties Island provides an ideal location to gather coastal wind data for the project’s one-year scope.

Clemson will maintain the anemometer facility, conduct wind-data storage and distribution and develop educational and public outreach programs prior to compiling a final report.  Coastal Carolina will assist in the structure’s installation, change anemometer batteries as needed and with Santee Cooper will review a final report and recommendations.  Santee Cooper has appropriated $10,000 for the anemometer.

Dr. Nicholas Rigas, director of Clemson’s Institute for Energy Studies said, “Our mission is to promote the use of wind power in South Carolina through public education and acceptance” "This project and partnership has exciting possibilities as South Carolina begins to develop its coastal and offshore wind potential as a clean and environmentally friendly alternative energy. Understanding the viability of these winds and developing them in a safe and sustainable manner is important to our coastal communities. I applaud Santee Cooper for participating in this exciting study” he added.

Bill McCall, Executive vice president and chief operating officer of Santee Coopers said, “Santee Cooper is continuously monitoring the horizon for partnerships, funding mechanisms, risk minimization strategies and installation-cost reductions so that development of wind projects can become feasible.” He added, “We are pleased to be partnering with two outstanding universities as we continue seeking more cost-effective and practical alternative energy for South Carolina.”