(AVONDALE, La.) — Gulf Wind Technology (GWT) has secured $10 million from Shell New Energies US to create the Shell Gulf Wind Technology Accelerator program at the former Avondale Shipyard site, renamed Avondale Global Gateway under the ownership of terminal operator T. Parker Host.
The collaboration includes deployment of novel technologies, as early as 2024, to develop, test and implement the first suite of optimized technical solutions for a Gulf of Mexico-specific wind turbine. The Shell Gulf Wind Technology Accelerator is expected to create 30 direct jobs and 54 indirect jobs.
The program will be a key enabler for wind in the region, combining research and development of new technologies with the Gulf’s first technology-focused education and training facility for workforce development aimed at accelerating the Gulf of Mexico offshore wind learning curve.
“Wind resources in the Gulf region are more variable than what you find on the East Coast where most of US offshore wind development activity is currently happening,” said James Martin, CEO of Gulf Wind Technology. “Seasonal hurricane conditions and moderate average wind speeds create a situation that requires a novel approach to the application of technology and the framework in which it is both developed and demonstrated. The program has been specifically created to address and fulfill this need and enable next steps for the region and for the industry.“
“Shell has been operating in the Gulf of Mexico for over six decades and has a long history of developing energy projects, including advancing and proving deepwater technologies,” said Amanda Dasch, vice president of Shell Offshore Power Americas. “We see opportunities to do the same for offshore wind in this region and are proud to support Louisiana’s 5-GW offshore wind target by 2035. This $10 million investment to create the Shell Gulf Wind Technology Accelerator program allows us to advance offshore wind development in the Gulf, while providing local wind industry training opportunities.”
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., noted the expected impact of the investment to the state.
“As the global economy transitions to clean energy, Louisiana is ready to lead the way, creating jobs and diversifying our economy in the process,” Edwards said. “I applaud Shell and Gulf Wind Technology for recognizing the pivotal role Louisiana will play in the new energy economy, including in the offshore wind industry. With a skilled offshore workforce and our climate action plan in place, there is no better place to invest in offshore wind than Louisiana.”
“The Shell Gulf Wind Technology Accelerator program represents a milestone in the development of Louisiana as a hub for offshore wind,” Hecht said. “Combining the scale of Shell with the expertise of Gulf Wind Technology, the accelerator will help Greater New Orleans develop the assets and workforce to power the energy future of the Gulf South, and the country.”
About Gulf Wind Technology
Gulf Wind Technology is the leading wind turbine rotor technology specialist in the United States. With headquarters in New Orleans, at the former Avondale Shipyard, the company is within easy reach to service America’s onshore operational wind turbine fleet. Based on the Mississippi River and with railway access, it is strategically located as a hub to develop offshore wind in the Gulf of Mexico.
– Gulf Wind Technology
