Officials today announced a $10 million investment into offshore wind research at the old Avondale Shipyard in Jefferson Parish.
Gulf Wind Technology says it is collaborating with Shell to establish a research, training and technology demonstration program at the Avondale Global Gateway facility.
It is an effort to advance offshore wind energy technology and expand the emerging industry’s skilled workforce.
“The development of the Shell Gulf Wind Technology Accelerator in Jefferson Parish aligns directly with JEDCO’s commitment to environmental sustainability and renewable energy,” JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna said. “A dynamic collaboration between Shell and Gulf Wind Technology positions Jefferson Parish as a global player in offshore wind power. This investment has the potential to change the landscape of our economy and put Jefferson Parish on the map in new and exciting ways.”
He says it will create 30 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $83,000. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 54 new indirect jobs.
“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,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “I applaud Gulf Wind Technology and Shell for seizing the opportunity that the new energy economy represents for Louisiana. 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.”
Officials say 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.