Gulf Wind Technology and Shell to collaborate on offshore wind technology in the Gulf of Mexico

Louisiana-based wind turbine rotor technology specialist Gulf Wind Technology (GWT) and Shell New Energies US LLC have partnered to address challenging wind conditions in the Gulf of Mexico in advance of offshore wind energy development in the region.

Through the Shell Gulf Wind Technology Accelerator program, funded by a $10m investment by Shell, the companies will develop, test and implement a suite of technical solutions optimised for a Gulf of Mexico-specific wind turbine. The Accelerator program will combine research and development of new technologies with the Gulf’s first technology-focused education and training facility for workforce development aimed at accelerating the Gulf of Mexico offshore wind learning curve.

“Wind resources in the Gulf region are more variable than what you find on the east coast where most of US offshore wind development activity is currently happening,” said James Martin, GWT CEO, in a statement. “Seasonal hurricane conditions and moderate average wind speeds create a situation that requires a novel approach to the application of technology and the framework in which it is both developed and demonstrated. The program has been specifically created to address and fulfil this need and enable next steps for the region and for the industry.”

“Shell has been operating in the Gulf of Mexico for over six decades and has a long history of developing energy projects, including advancing and proving deep-water technologies,” said Amanda Dasch, Vice President of Shell Offshore Power Americas. “We see opportunities to do the same for offshore wind in this region and are proud to support Louisiana’s 5 GW offshore wind target by 2035.”