Wind in Louisiana's off-shore sails

Offshore wind advocates see the Gulf of Mexico the next step for developing the industry - and wanting to use Louisiana’s lead – to possibly re-use offshore oil and gas platforms and pipelines as assets for an allied “green hydrogen” industry. Business Network for Offshore Wind (BNOW) advocates made a push for the idea Aug. 24 at its International Partnering Forum in Virginia. BNOW’s Gulf of Mexico working group conferred by video with officials of the Louisiana governor’s office and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), which has been working since June on Gov. Bel Edwards’ request to seek commercial interest in wind power off his state. BOEM is looking at areas of the GoM’s outer continental shelf out to a depth of 4,000-foot for potential siting of fixed-foundation and floating wind turbines. There seemed to be more interest toward fixed development, according to Mike Celata of BOEM. Most of it is focused west of Lafayette, La., he said. An early schedule by BOEM calls for possibly offering leases for bid in December 2022, but that “may slip” because there’s still work to do, and having discussions with commercial fishing interests to reduce potential conflicts, he said. (Source: Work Boat 08/24/21) Offshore wind advocates see Gulf of Mexico opportunity | WorkBoat