GWT and Shell collaborate to set offshore wind energy hub in Louisiana
In Louisiana, the government of Louisiana announced that Gulf Wind Technology (GWT) announced it is collaborating with Shell to establish a research, training and technology demonstration program at GWT’s Avondale Global Gateway facility in Jefferson Parish. “As the world transitions to cleaner energy, Louisiana is leading the way, creating jobs and diversifying our economy in the process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said. “With a skilled workforce in place and a climate action plan goal of 5 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2035, there is no better state than Louisiana to invest in this rapidly expanding industry.” The Shell Gulf Wind Technology Accelerator will be a hub for offshore wind energy development as the companies work to design the first suite of products optimized for conditions in the Gulf of Mexico. The first turbine is expected to be ready for demonstration as early as next year. The accelerator will also house an offshore wind workforce education and training program. James Martin, GWT CEO, said: “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 Shell Gulf Wind Technology Accelerator program has been specifically created to address and fulfill this need and enable next steps for the region and for the industry.”
