Gulf Wind Technology is collaborating with Shell to establish a research, training and technology demonstration programme at GWT’s Avondale Global Gateway facility in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
GWT, supported by a US$10m investment from Shell, will create 30 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of US$83,000.
Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 54 new indirect jobs, for a total of 84 new positions in the Southeast Region.
The Shell Gulf Wind Technology Accelerator will be a hub for offshore wind energy development as the companies work to design the first suite of products optimised for conditions in the Gulf of Mexico.
The first turbine is expected to be ready for demonstration as early as next year.
The Accelerator will also house an offshore wind workforce education and training programme.
GWT chief executive James Martin said: “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.
“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 Shell Gulf Wind Technology Accelerator program has been specifically created to address and fulfill this need and enable next steps for the region and for the industry.”
Based in the redeveloped industrial park on the site of the old Avondale Shipyard, GWT is an expert in wind turbine rotor technology.
To secure the project in Avondale, the state of Louisiana offered Gulf Wind Technology a competitive incentives package featuring the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart.
The incentive package also includes a performance-based US$375,000 award through the Economic Development Award Program to support site infrastructure improvements.
In addition, the company is expected to participate in the Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.