Louisiana Offshore Wind Supply Chain Database Highlights Industry’s Readiness

NEW ORLEANS — Global offshore wind company RWE and regional business booster Greater New Orleans Inc. have released the findings of a one-year collaboration to accelerate the engagement of Louisiana’s offshore wind supply chain. They say the result is a database showing that more than 123 Louisiana businesses are ready to support the national offshore wind supply chain.

GNO Inc. said companies in the database provide services in six major categories: wind turbine generators; professional services; balance of plant; installation and commissioning; operation and maintenance; and mooring and anchoring. Of the 123 companies, 95% are small businesses as defined by the Small Business Administration and 42% have future investment plans to prepare for offshore wind business opportunities.

“Even before obtaining a lease off the coast of Louisiana, RWE recognized the value that the Gulf Coast plays in the national offshore wind supply chain,” said Amanda Lefton, RWE VP of development, in a press release. “In a time where every megawatt counts, it’s essential to proactively identify gaps in the supply chain that can be met by local businesses. RWE is committed to building the domestic supply chain and activating businesses of all sizes and capabilities to support the deployment of a clean, US-made energy source.”

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In August, RWE bid $5.6 million to lease federal waters off the Louisiana coast for wind energy productioon. The awarded seabed is located 44 miles off the coast of Lake Charles and could support about 2 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity. The company has a signed memorandum of understanding with Entergy to evaluate the delivery of energy from offshore wind to customers in Louisiana and Texas.

Included in the new database are Louisiana-based companies with experience in offshore energy, operations, maintenance, port logistics, inspections, training and fabrication. 

“The creation of this resource demonstrates the value of partnership between industry and economic development,” said Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc. “The offshore wind supplier database will play an important role in growing the Gulf of Mexico’s offshore wind sector by connecting local suppliers with international developers, showcasing the great potential for Louisiana companies to support the national offshore wind industry.”

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Through its GNOwind Alliance initiative, GNO Inc. said it will continue to engage local suppliers, conduct additional market-enabling activities, and coordinate with state and federal agencies on offshore wind development. GNOwind has 250-plus member companies interested in developing the state’s wind energy industry.

RWE’s offshore wind development portfolio in the U.S. includes Community Offshore Wind, located off the coasts of New York and New Jersey with a potential installed capacity of about 3.2 gigawatts. In October, Community Offshore Wind was provisionally awarded a 1.3 gigawatt offtake contract by New York State. RWE is also advancing one of the first commercial scale floating offshore wind projects in the U.S. off the northern coast of California with a potential installed capacity of about 1.6 gigawatts.

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