Gulf Wind Technology announced March 13 that it is collaborating with Shell to establish a research, training and technology demonstration program at GWT’s Avondale Global Gateway facility in New Orleans, site of the former Avondale Shipyard. The collaboration is an effort to advance offshore wind energy technology and expand the industry's skilled workforce. GWT, supported by a $10M investment from Shell, will create 30 direct jobs. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 54 indirect jobs. GWT is a wind turbine rotor technology specialist located on New Orleans's riverfront. The Shell-Gulf Wind Technology Accelerator will be a hub for offshore wind energy development where 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 in 2024. The Accelerator will also house an offshore wind workforce education and training program. “Wind resources in the Gulf region are more variable" than those on the East Coast, said James Martin, GWT CEO. Hurricane conditions and moderate average wind speeds in the GoM "create a situation that requires a novel approach to the application of technology and the framework," he said. GWT consists of a 30,000-sq.-ft. technology facility, advanced composites lab and access to more than 1.5M-sq.-ft. of manufacturing and fabrication space with on-site railway, road and barge access. (Work Boat 03/13/23)
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