The Carolinas Nuclear Cluster: how it all began.

• Author: Carlberg, Scott

The Carolinas Nuclear Cluster coalesced around a major strength: Companies in the two states are world leaders in the design, construction and supply of electricity from nuclear energy.

The Carolinas supply 11.5% of the nation's nuclear energy. They are home to four publicly traded power-generation companies and major energy-engineering firms. Currently, North Carolina has five nuclear reactors in operation, which provide 32% of the state's total electricity generation, and has two potential new units are in the application process. South Carolina has seven operating reactors, providing 52% of the state's total electricity generation, with four potential new units in the application process.

The headlines about energy supply, economics and cleanliness align in an energy imperative, and the Carolinas have a unique competitive advantage in an industry that is a carbonless path for base-load electricity needs: nuclear energy. The Carolinas can be the go-to source for a global nuclear renaissance. We are building that go-to status through the Carolinas Nuclear Cluster.

THE CLUSTER CONCEPT

The S.C. Council on Competiveness, better known as New Carolina, began a process in 2003 to build clusters as a way to increase the incomes of our citizens and strengthen our economic base. The Carolinas Nuclear Cluster works under that umbrella.

What is a cluster? A cluster is a group of businesses in a region that focus on a specific industry. Companies within clusters come together to increase efficiency and innovation within that industry, boosting the overall economy in the region. They do this by supporting new-business development, enhancing existing business, recruiting companies to an area and helping companies within the cluster identify workforce needs and marketing strategies.

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Good clusters have an inherent upstream and downstream value chain. Well-run clusters spur corporate and educational innovation. They are a forum to support industry issues. Robust clusters lead to strong industry collaboration, gains in efficiency and a stronger presence in the market. Examples of robust clusters include Silicon Valley, which is known for its concentration of computer-related businesses, and Napa...