Even before wind farms are constructed in the Gulf of Mexico, the Bayou State is already marking its mark in the industry offshore on the east coast. Michael Hecht, CEO of economic development organization at Greater New Orleans, Inc. said Louisiana firms are engineering, constructing, deploying, and servicing farms in the Atlantic.
“A company like Edison Chouest is building a boat that’s not going to be used in the Gulf initially but will be used in the Atlantic Ocean. So, we’re creating jobs today as the supply chain for offshore wind,” said Hecht.
Louisiana is ranked number four in the country for offshore wind and the American Clean Power Association said the construction of two windfarms off the coasts of Louisiana and Texas could create more than 17-thousand jobs.
In addition to jobs, Hecht said wind farms will create a more sustainable source of electricity, companies will be able to use a cleaner source of energy and reduce greenhouse emissions.
And while it’s easier to harness wind energy off the east coast right now, Hecht said technology is advancing due in part to Louisiana-based firms that will only improve the opportunity for offshore wind farms elsewhere.
“And then next it’s going to come down to the Gulf. The feds already actually talking about letting leases by 2025 so we can put wind in the Gulf.” Said Hecht.
Hecht said the biggest innovation for wind technology right now is the creation of larger and more efficient windmill blades.
“Right now, the longest windmill blades in the world are being designed and tested in New Orleans East at our Michoud facility. One blade is longer than an entire football field, 107 meters long,” said Hecht.
He said the larger the blade, the more efficient windmills are at generating power which then lowers cost.
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