January 28, 2010

EPIC is a planned research endeavor between the University and private partners with the goal of expanding energy engineering and research within the region based on industry needs. The Catawba County EcoComplex will play an important role in EPIC through research partnership between Catawba County and UNC-Charlotte

Private partners in EPIC include Duke Energy, Shaw Group, AREVA, the Electric Power Research Institute, URS Washington Group, Westinghouse, Siemens, and Metso Power.

During the ceremony, large towers of light illuminated the night sky, marking the perimeter of the building and a large balloon with “EPIC” emblazoned upon it was launched and moored 100 feet above the site. Leroy Lail of Conover, a member of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, and Catawba County Director of Utilities and Engineering Barry Edwards were also invited by UNCC Chancellor Dr. Phillip Dubois to attend the ceremony.

Photos from the ceremony may be viewed here.

On January 19, 2010, Chancellor Dubois and Catawba County Board of Commissioners Chair Kitty Barnes ceremonially signed a Memorandum of Understanding which solidified the partnership between the County and the University regarding the research activities that take place at the Catawba County EcoComplex.

“As an off campus partner of UNCC and EPIC, the EcoComplex will play an integral role in relevant, cutting edge research dedicated to improving energy efficiency and man’s interaction with both man-made and natural environments,” Edwards said. “UNCC will focus its initial research on several areas including syngas, algae, and wood ethanol.”

Future research will expand to include using various types of animal waste as a renewable energy source.

For more information on the Catawba County EcoComplex and its partnership with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, you may call the County’s Recycling and Waste Education Office at 828-465-8217.