Wind Energy – Gulf of Mexico
Gulf Wind Technology (GWT) announced today its next steps in bringing its globally-recognized expertise in wind turbine rotor technology to address challenging wind conditions in the Gulf of Mexico in advance of offshore wind energy development in the region.
GWT has strategically partnered with Shell New Energies US LLC (Shell), through a $10 million investment by the energy company, in the creation of the Shell Gulf Wind Technology Accelerator program.
The collaboration includes deployment of novel technologies to a demonstrator turbine as early as 2024, designed to develop, test and implement the first suite of optimized technical solutions for a Gulf of Mexico-specific wind turbine.
The Shell Gulf Wind Technology Accelerator will be a key enabler for wind in the region, combining 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,” says James Martin, GWT CEO. “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.”
