(1) There is hereby established a South Carolina Energy Research and Development Center to be located at, under the auspices of, and in conjunction with Clemson University.

(2) Clemson University shall establish an advisory board for the center whose composition shall include members of the South Carolina Senate, House of Representatives and the Joint Legislative Committee on Energy and shall also include representatives from the Governor’s office, private industry and state colleges and universities.

(3) The Energy Research and Development Center may share with Clemson University existing personnel, facilities and equipment.

(4) The purpose of the Energy Research and Development Center shall be to:

(a) complement federal energy research and development efforts by addressing aspects of the energy problem solutions that would be unique and germane to South Carolina;

(b) complement other state energy efforts by providing contracted technical support to various state agencies;

(c) allow university personnel to undertake energy projects too large and too complex to be handled by standard academic units; and

(d) conduct industrially-oriented energy projects as a service to the state’s industries and commerce.