A research project is underway at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a project that is quite likely going to lead to the first wind turbines ever to be placed in American waters. In the Fall of 2009, the university signed an agreement with Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) to set up a three or fewer wind turbines demonstration array along the Outer Banks. The Banks comprise a chain of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast, and they are surrounded by 900 miles of water. The Outer Banks are famous for their steady and often very strong winds. This demo is building on previous research conducted by the University of North Carolina. That research led participating scientists and engineers to conclude that North Carolina is very well positioned to be a leading developer of utility-scale wind power. The energy company is going to pay to install the wind turbines so that the university can continue its research.

University chancellor Holden Thorp said “This project is a great example of how university research can expand our understanding of an issue–in this case, wind energy. Then an industry partner like Duke Energy can use that research to do what they do best and develop this on a larger scale.”

US Wind Energy Market Analysis & Forecasts to 2013

Brett Carter, president of Duke Energy Carolinas said “We are looking forward to working with UNC and residents of the Outer Banks to determine if and how we can use wind energy on a larger scale. Our company has experience developing land-based wind in other parts of the country, and we are excited about this pilot project and learning more about how we can use this renewable resource in our home state.”

And North Carolina State Senator Marc Basnight said this project “will allow for community feedback and collaboration, and it will be a very positive information-finding effort. People will be able to view the turbines working, and we will gain a greater understanding of how to use wind as a renewable energy source. What we learn from this project will chart the future of offshore wind energy for our state.”

This project may also be the inspiration behind a recent U.S. Department of Energy grant of $45 million to Clemson University in the neighboring state of South Carolina to create the Large Wind TurbineDrivetrain Testing facility. The U.S. is the global leader in wind energy capacity, and wind turbine drive trains and turbines will be tested in South Carolina.

DOE Secretary Steven Chu says “Wind power holds tremendous potential to help create new jobs…We are at the beginning of a new Industrial Revolution when it comes to clean energy and projects like these will help us get there faster.”