John Bel Edwards: “Partnership will help Louisiana companies take advantage of opportunities in the booming offshore wind industry” (Source: Governor’s Office)
May 02, 2022by David Foxwell
RWE Renewables to Collaborate with Economic Development Organization Greater New Orleans Inc (GNO) and GNOwind Alliance to Accelerate Louisiana’s Supply Chain Development with the Offshore Wind Industry
Over the next six months, GNO will host a series of workshops to identify Louisiana companies with transferable capabilities for offshore wind. The aim is to provide major energy companies such as RWE with contacts in the supply chain.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said, “I am thrilled to see the investment and partnership that RWE and GNO are making to accelerate the development of the offshore wind supply chain here in Louisiana. This is another tangible step in implementing the state’s climate action plan and will help Louisiana businesses take advantage of opportunities in the booming offshore wind industry.
GNO President and CEO Michael Hecht said, “There is a natural connection between Louisiana’s historic strength in offshore oil and gas development and services and the future needs of offshore wind. We want to help Louisiana companies train their workforce and take advantage of offshore wind opportunities.
Sam Eaton, Executive Vice President of Offshore Wind Development for RWE Renewables Americas, said, “We have had positive experiences in developing supply chain orientation programs in which we engage with local businesses and let’s share information about the needs of the offshore wind industry, learn more about their capabilities.
Offshore wind is an important part of Louisiana’s climate emissions reduction plans. In its recently adopted climate action plan, the state proposed a target of 5 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035.
Additionally, legislation (HB 165) to expand the size of wind leases in state waters has been approved by the Louisiana House of Representatives and is expected to pass the Senate in the coming weeks, further accelerating the deployment of offshore wind power in the Gulf of Mexico. .
