Renewable Energies Manufacturing

Go Green Here

State and Local Focus

On August 7, 2009, Governor Beverly Perdue signed House Bill 1481 to strengthen state energy policy leadership, a significant step forward in her JobsNOW Green Economy Plan. The action, along with the announcement of 14 Green Business Fund grants, is part of a three pronged strategy to make North Carolina a leader in green economy jobs by strengthening state leadership in energy policy, making smart investments to create jobs and foster innovation and providing green-collar workforce training.

"Strong leadership and smart investments are essential to laying a foundation for North Carolina to create green jobs, support green innovation and promote a sustainable future for our state's economy and environment." - Gov. Beverly Perdue

Rutherford County is working with industry to help companies quickly respond to this new market. In March 2009, a symposium was held for all existing industry to examine and look at new market opportunities. The primary focus has been in the areas of plastics and metal fabrication (Table 3).

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New Green Product Development

3TEX is an example of a company located in Rutherford County that is pursing new alternative energy markets. Several new products being developed include a 3D Fiber System for use on wind blades and corrosion solutions for use on scrub towers at coal generated power plants. This new material does not rust or corrode.

Recently, a comprehensive study was completed at the University of North Carolina Greensboro by Dr. Keith G. Debbage, Professor of Urban Geography. In this study, he researched every part that goes into a Wind Turbine and cross referenced all companies in North Carolina that make that type of part.

Incentives

NC Energy Investment Revolving Loan Fund: $18 million in federal recovery monies to provide low and no-interest loans to finance energy-saving projects at businesses, local governments, non-profits, state agencies, community colleges, universities and public schools. The loans will be awarded for up to $1 million.
NC Green Business Fund: $10 million in federal recovery funds to award competitive grants to North Carolina businesses and organizations with innovative projects in biofuels, green construction, environmentally friendly technology and renewable energy products.
NC Green Workforce: JobsNOW initiative will provide nearly $7 million in federal recovery funds to meet the training and workforce needs of the emerging green economy through the community college system.
Federal recovery funds include $12 million to support energy savings and renewable energy initiatives in small businesses and industries.
Renewable Energy Tax Credit (Corporate): Tax credit equal to 35% of the cost of eligible renewable energy property constructed, purchased or leased by a taxpayer and placed into service in North Carolina during the taxable year.
Property Tax Abatement for Solar Electric Systems: Exempts 80% of the appraised value of a "solar energy electric system" (also known as a photovoltaic, or PV, system) from property tax.
Active Solar Heating and Cooling Systems Exemption: Active solar heating and cooling systems may not be assessed at more than the value of a conventional system for property tax purposes. Systems placed on residential, commercial and industrial property are eligible for this exclusion.
Duke-Energy Non Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program: Duke Energy’s Smart $aver™ Incentive program offers rebates to non-residential customers to install energy efficient equipment in their facilities.
General State and Local Incentives

Workforce & Training

A key partner for Rutherford County is the Appalachian State University Energy Center. Several key programs are available through the Energy Center, such as:

Isothermal Community College provides workforce training through the Customized Training Program. This program is designed to react quickly to the needs of businesses and to respect the confidential nature of proprietary processes and information within those businesses.

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Renewable Energies Manufacturing

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