Every month, the Clean Economy Tracker (CET) provides an update on private investments in clean energy and technology manufacturing, and the corresponding jobs created. The tool was built by Atlas Public Policy and Utah State University to track the economic impact of the growth in the clean energy industry.
At the end of the first quarter, CET reports that 1,090 clean energy facilities span 49 states, corresponding to the announcement of $283.5 billion in investments and 350,200 jobs. 75% of that investment is located in Republican districts. In the first quarter alone, 56 facilities corresponded to the announcement of $7.8 billion in investment and 9,900 jobs. In March, specifically, 19 new announcements were made across the battery, solar energy, and grid and transmission sectors, leading to $2 billion in investments and 5,600 jobs.
The primary update from South Carolina was TS Conductor’s selection of Jasper County to build its first manufacturing plant in the state and second in the country. The $134 million facility is expected to create 462 new jobs and produce carbon-core conductors for transmission lines. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development gave a $5.11 million Closing Fund grant to Jasper County and provided job development credits for the project. Construction is set to begin before the end of the year on the 301,275-square-foot factory, although it is only the first of three phases, with an additional one million square feet planned for the future.
Governor Henry McMaster stated, “Once again, South Carolina is proving itself to be an ideal location for innovative companies to establish operations. We are delighted to welcome TS Conductor to our impressive portfolio of energy-related companies and celebrate the tremendous impact this investment will have in Jasper County and South Carolina.”
Photo Courtesy Cassidy Castleman
During the first quarter, private manufacturers in South Carolina made other significant announcements, as well. In January, Greenwood-based ES Foundry opened its 400,000-square-foot facility for the production of high-quality crystalline bifacial PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) solar cells. The cells qualify for additional Investment Tax Credit benefits because the company makes them domestically. The facility is expected to provide jobs for 500 local employees by June, contributing to a South Carolina solar industry on track to have a $19 billion economic impact by 2035, supporting 3,315 permanent jobs and generating $260.9 million in annual labor income.
Also in January, chemicals company Lanxess disclosed that it had invested more than $500,000 and been awarded a $1.1 million Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit to expand its Charleston facility’s production capacity for battery-grade PCl3. The material would then be used in batteries for both energy storage systems and electric vehicles. The company noted that the project would not only bolster the domestic battery manufacturing supply chain but also support the role of the company’s current workforce and contribute to local workforce development through apprenticeship programs and community engagement initiatives.
In February, Eaton announced a $340 million investment, backed by local, state, and federal economic development incentives, to convert an existing Jonesville facility into a production site for three-phase transformers. When hiring takes place in 2027, 700 new jobs will be created for the local community, and the company will work with both readySC and local schools to find and train employees. “South Carolina is a leader in manufacturing due to our talented workforce, quality of life and business environment. I welcome Eaton’s investment in Union County, further ensuring our state remains on the forefront of grid modernization,” commented Senator Lindsey Graham.
Also in February, Isuzu North America announced that it would invest $280 million to convert an existing one million-square-foot facility in Piedmont into an assembly plant that will produce both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $7 million Closing Fund grant to Greenville County, along with job development credits, for the project. Once the facility is operational in 2027, the company expects to produce 50,000 cars annually.
Photo Courtesy Isuzu North America
