Columbia, South Carolina — In 2020, four engineers started Moment Energy in a British C

Six years ago, a handful of engineers in a British Columbia garage began tinkering with retired EV batteries. Today, Moment Energy’s new plant repurposes those same batteries to power hospitals and data centers—a story of innovation that resonates far beyond Canada. For anyone considering a move to Columbia, South Carolina, this tale underscores a critical question: where will the next wave of clean-tech jobs land?

Columbia offers a compelling answer. With a cost of living roughly 20% below the national average and a median home price still within reach of young professionals, the city already attracts those priced out of coastal hubs. But the real draw is momentum. The University of South Carolina’s engineering programs and the nearby Savannah River Site’s energy research create a talent pipeline that companies like Moment Energy would find hard to ignore. Meanwhile, local leaders are actively courting battery-recycling and grid-storage projects, recognizing that “second-life” energy is a sector where Columbia’s affordable land and business-friendly climate could outpace pricier metros.

For a relocating engineer or entrepreneur,

Source: Currents

View Columbia city guide

Updated August 29, 2026.

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