Tradeline, Inc. filters and categorizes new-construction and industry news from regional and professional journals across the country. Here you will find new projects, products, and regulatory updates.
Industry News
Massachusetts Wind Technology Testing Center Breaks Ground in Boston
Ground was broken in December of 2009 on the Wind Technology Testing Center (WTTC) in Boston. Operated in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the facility will be the first in the nation capable of testing blades up to 90 meters long. The research and development center will support testing of commercial wind turbine blades to improve design and reduce cost. The project is supported by $25 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, as well as $28.5 million in additional funding.
NETL Builds Morgantown Testing Lab
The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) will construct a testing lab in Morgantown, W.V. Supported by $14 million in stimulus funding, the 35,000-sf Performance Verification Laboratory will accommodate the testing of appliances to determine if they meet Department of Energy (DOE) efficiency standards. Featuring controlled environments with consistent room temperatures, the Morgantown facility will be one of eight new research and testing facilities nationwide. Laboratory planning will commence in December of 2009 with completion expected by September of 2013.
Clemson University Plans Wind Turbine Research Facility
Clemson University will initiate construction in the first quarter of 2010 on a wind turbine research facility in Charleston, S.C. Supported by a $45 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and $53 million in matching funds, the facility will be located at the university’s Restoration Institute at the former U.S. Naval Base. Occupancy is expected by 2012.
U.S. DOE Plans Energy Sciences Building
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is providing $8 million to Argonne National Laboratory for detailed design work for a new, world-class energy research facility. This is the first step in beginning work on what is expected to be a $95 million construction project. The Energy Sciences Building (ESB) will provide an environment that will accelerate the pace of discovery by bringing together interdisciplinary teams of researchers in a space that can be adjusted to accommodate an evolving energy-related science agenda.
Hemlock Semiconductor Breaks Ground on Polysilicon Plant
Hemlock Semiconductor Corp. broke ground in November of 2009 on a $1.2 billion polysilicon manufacturing plant in Clarksville, Tenn. Slated for completion in 2012, the facility will house approximately 500 employees. Polysilicon is a raw material used to make solar cells and semiconductor devices. Michigan-based Hemlock Semiconductor is a joint venture between Dow Corning Corp. and two Japanese companies, Shin-Etsu Handotai Co. and Mitsubishi Materials Corp.