From Storage to Nuclear: Key Technologies Shaping the Energy Future

Editorial Spotlight:

Future-Proof Energy Innovation in South Carolina by Suzanne Dickerson

PHENOGY Inc. (PHENOGY) is working diligently in South Carolina and beyond to advance resilient energy solutions through technology development, strategic partnerships and programs that strengthen the Southeast.

What Is PHENOGY?

Short for “Phenomenal Energy,” PHENOGY aims to energize the future. Sustainably. We have created future-proof sodium-ion energy storage solutions that are a sustainable, affordable, safe and reliable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. In 2026, PHENOGY’s modular 60 kW cabinet storage technology will debut in the U.S. market, marking a significant step toward scalable energy storage solutions. Additional game-changing technologies are in development and will be announced soon, all with the goal of making our energy grids more resilient.

PHENOGY recently launched SodiumShift, a pilot program for up to 10 qualified organizations to take advantage of an introductory price for our battery energy storage systems (BESS). The initiative supports cooperatives, developers, municipalities, manufacturers and others seeking reliable, cost-effective energy storage. Also, the initiative will help those early adopters position themselves as forward-thinking innovators in energy resilience and sustainability.

And, in November, we hosted a unique Resilience Day workshop which brought together a broad group of stakeholders to discuss energy challenges and opportunities. Two-thirds of South Carolina’s counties were represented at the event, leading to the creation of a LinkedIn community to continue the conversations. The new Community of Resilient Energy (CORE) is dedicated to turning this dialogue and ideas exchange into action.

Connecting to South Carolina’s Energy Vision

Through events such as Resilience Day and regular communication with SC NEXUS and like-minded organizations, we’re building collaborative relationships across Columbia, the state of South Carolina and beyond. Our partnership with SC NEXUS is central to these efforts, aligning our goals to strengthen regional energy resilience.

Two key SC NEXUS elements are already in PHENOGY’s plans - utilization of the new Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation (CIBI) for low-volume cell production and exploration of R&D opportunities with the Grid Enabled Cyber Operations Test Bed (GECO). These collaborations ensure our work supports the state’s clean energy grid to help define South Carolina as a leader in energy resilience. We could not have asked for more serendipitous partnerships to join us in pursuit of a stronger, more sustainable energy future.

Learn more about future-proof sodium-ion energy storage at phenogy.com.

Suzanne Dickerson, Director, North America
PHENOGY Inc.

South Carolina: the advanced energy industry's next power move

SC NEXUS Innovation Input Survey

Through the SC NEXUS Innovation Survey, stakeholders across South Carolina’s energy and advanced technology sectors can directly influence how we invest in programs and initiatives. The survey collects feedback on trends, gaps and opportunities to ensure our future investments are targeted and impactful

Complete the SC NEXUS Innovation Input Survey for a chance to win two tickets to the 58th Annual RBC Heritage Golf Tournament in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Featured Members

and Consortium Wins

As SC NEXUS unlocks new collaborations, we are proud to announce the progress with our project teams and the many doors opened to exciting growth opportunities.

South Carolina is Responding to the

Request for Information on Nuclear Innovation

S.C. Commerce is working with a focused group of state, industry, research and policy leaders to develop South Carolina’s response to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Request for Information on Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses. This effort highlights South Carolina’s nuclear strengths and reinforces the State’s commitment to supporting national energy and security priorities. Commerce will advance the State’s response in alignment with DOE’s timeline and next steps.

South Carolina Technical Colleges Generate

$6.4B annual impact

According to a recent study conducted by the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business, the state technical college system supports more than 38,000 jobs each year, generating $2 billion in employment-related earnings.

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Building the Next Generation of Global

Energy Leaders

A growing partnership between the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH) and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is strengthening South Carolina’s international energy engagement. Through the University of South Carolina’s Moore School of Business international business department, KEPCO employees participate in a double-degree program supporting workforce development and global energy leadership. KENTECH is exploring internship opportunities within the SC NEXUS network, further connecting South Carolina’s innovation ecosystem with emerging global energy talent. Get connected and learn how your organization can take advantage of this opportunity.

GET CONNECTED

Leading Industry Updates

USA Rare Earth Announces Letter of Intent to Accelerate Rare Earth Value Chain

USA Rare Earth, Inc. (USAR) recently announced its non-binding Letter of Intent with the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Department of Energy reflecting USAR's role in closing the rare earth element and critical mineral supply gap.

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Cyclic Materials Selects Chesterfield County for first East Coast Operation

A leader in recycling solutions for rare earth elements, Cyclic Materials selects Chesterfield County to establish the company's first East Coast operation. The over $82 million investment will create 90 highly skilled jobs.

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US Department of Energy Awards $2.7 Billion to Restore American Uranium Enrichment

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $2.7 billion to strengthen domestic enrichment services over the next 10 years. The investment aims to expand U.S capacity for low-enriched uranium and jumpstart new supply chains.

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Westinghouse Megadeal Set to Revitalize Nuclear Supply Chain

An agreement between the U.S. government and Westinghouse owners, Brookfield Asset Management and Cameco, support plans to expand U.S. nuclear capacity from about 100 gigawatts today to 400 gigawatts by 2050, including construction of 10 new large reactors by 2030.

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SC NEXUS SPOTLIGHT:

WHAT'S SPARKING CONVERSATION

Recently S.C. Commerce's Ashely Teasdel and Cristina Long Paredes, CEcD, joined Brandy Malone, from Schneider Electric, for a site visit to the Raleigh Hub. Cross-hub engagement is essential for fostering innovation in the energy sector and bringing together ideas, technologies, and partnerships that strengthen regional competitiveness and support a more resilient energy future.

Submit exciting news or insights to Shay Roderick to be featured in the next

SC NEXUS newsletter.

Upcoming Events

2026 South Carolina Rural Summit

S.C. Commerce will host the 36th Annual South Carolina Rural Summit March 12–13 in Greer, South Carolina. The event will bring together leaders from across the state to share innovative ideas, strengthen partnerships and advance progress in rural communities.

GREER, SC / MARCH 12-13, 2026

2026 International Battery Seminar & Exhibit

The International Battery Seminar & Exhibit showcases state of the art energy storage technology developments for consumer, automotive and industrial applications. Join thought leaders as they provide insight into advances in materials, product development, manufacturing and application for all battery systems and technologies.

ORLANDO, FL / MARCH 23-26, 2026

Super South

SC NEXUS will be among global visionaries set to spark conversations that drive resilient solutions at Super South. Be among entrepreneurs, academia and policymakers during panel sessions and enjoy the expo showcase of sustainable technologies.

ATLANTA, GA / MARCH 30-APRIL 1, 2026

Career Opportunities

SC NEXUS Energy Technical Partnerships Manager

Sitting at the intersection of technology, utilities and economic development, this role will help advance pilot projects, grid-resilience initiatives and applied R&D — working closely with utilities, universities, national labs and industry partners.

Application Link:

https://bit.ly/4pv9YYZ

To share job postings relevant to consortium members and advancing SC NEXUS’ mission, please email a link to the posting and the application deadline to SCNEXUS@sccommerce.com.