The Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (LDENR) has selected Jacobs, PA Consulting and Xodus to help develop an offshore wind roadmap that aims to promote energy independence, diversification and security in the state while developing its workforce and local economy.
Jacobs is set to develop technical studies for the roadmap, including gap analyses of state assets, addressing workforce and supply chain considerations and evaluating environmental impacts. PA Consulting is slated to offer its energy market analysis experience to the roadmap. Xodus will provide insights on advancing supply chain and workforce development strategies.
The State of Louisiana has a goal to develop 5 GW of offshore wind by 2035. It hopes the roadmap will address aspects of sector development, including the de-confliction of state-owned waters, implementation of best practices in wind power generation and related regulation, workforce development strategies, supply chain analysis, port assessment and economic considerations related to building a domestic wind energy industry in the state.
“We’re committed to ensuring our communities have enough energy to meet demand and safeguarding power systems against physical and other threats across all end markets,” says Jacobs vice president Fiachra Ó Cléirigh.
“Drawing upon our extensive experience with Louisiana’s critical state infrastructure, we’re taking a comprehensive approach to designing an enduring energy independence and diversification program using offshore wind technologies. This project not only generates new job opportunities but also fosters reliance on locally available and sustainable resources.”
The Center for Planning Excellence, a statewide nonprofit, will also support LDENR in a consulting capacity developing the roadmap.
The roadmap is expected to take two years to complete.
