Industry News

Clemson University is building a wind turbine drivetrain testing facility in North Charleston, S.C. The project team includes AEC Engineering and Choate Construction. The $98 million project involves conversion of an existing warehouse to provide research, development, and testing space for offshore wind turbines. LEED Silver sustainable design certification will be sought for the facility. Completion is expected in late 2012. 

Siemens Energy began construction in May of 2011 on a wind service distribution center in Woodward, Okla. The 64,000-sf project will include two buildings to supply customers and industry partners with turbine blades, drive assemblies, and generators. Completion is expected in late 2011.

AREVA will begin construction in spring of 2012 on the three-story, 650,000-sf Uranium Enrichment Facility near Idaho Falls, Idaho. The plant is expected to be operational in 2015. The project is supported by a $2 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Rochester Institute of Technology broke ground on the $35 million Golisano Institute for Sustainability in April of 2011 in Rochester, N.Y. The 75,000-sf project is support by a $13.1 million NIST construction grant and $10 million in funding from the state of New York. The multidisciplinary facility will provide labs, classrooms, and conference rooms for research and development of sustainable business practices.

Rolls-Royce is planning to build two manufacturing facilities in Rotherham in the United Kingdom. The 150,000-sf Advanced Blade Casting Facility will produce jet engine turbine blades. The 209,000-sf Project PoWer factory will make vessels for nuclear reactors. Construction could begin in 2012.